When numbers don't matter but heart does.

Day Three: Pyeong Taek, Korea.
Temperature: 0°C

Coming into the third day of our APAC campaign has been an eye-opener in many ways.

Firstly, we learnt that travelling in Korea without the basic knowledge of its language can be a real pain when it comes to ordering food.
Gosh.
Seriously, it takes us tremendous amount of energy and creativity just to get our message across.
It's been fun though and the people here are really friendly too, so that really helped us to get by. :)

Secondly, APAC in Korea has been so well organized that it shocked all of us!
From the very accommodating hotel management, to our comfortable subsidized rooms, to the officiating of APAC 2009 and so on (will include photos when I'm back in Malaysia).
It's by far the most efficient and organized APAC I've been to.

Anyway, we finally played our first match against the Kamikaze-spirited Japanese last night.
We lost real bad.
What can we say, they were way better than us.
They were in a league of their own.

The score?

14-1.

Yes, we got thrashed.
Though it was an embarrassing scoreline to begin the campaign with, I believe we played the best we could and most importantly, we played according to the game plan.
Ok fine, maybe sometimes we got a little over our heads and played our own game but I think overall, we managed to keep our heads up in spite of the defeating 14-1 score.

I can give a hundred and one reasons why we lost and it may all come across as sheer excuses.
So, I'm not going to delve into that.
The fact still remains that we lost to a better team.
That's that.

We've got another 4 more games coming up and we are going to win it back.
Our next game will be against the host, Korea.
It will be a tough fight against the hardworking and physically fit Koreans.

Last night after the match, our coach, Denise, said that only in the last period did we really play all out.
"You guys played with heart".
I'm not sure if it hit the rest of the guys but it sure did hit me.

Though we may be a team that's few in numbers, we can still take ownership of what's arguably the greatest weapon any team could have -
Heart.

When the countable figure of numbers may seem impossible to go against all odds, the uncountable spirit and heart of a team will be the inner force that pushes the limit of reality, transforming the seemingly impossible to possible.

We need to have heart.

Yours truly,
Christopher Koh
26th March 2009, Wednesday
10.33am, Korea.

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Away: Korea, APAC 2009

By the time you read this entry, I'll be in the plane with the rest of my team mates flying over to South Korea for the Asia Pacific Floorball Championship (APAC) 2009.
After almost 6 months of training, we're finally on our way.

Everybody have been asking me if I'm excited for the trip.
If you're talking about the trip itself, then yes, I am excited.
But when it comes to the competition, then all I'm feeling are jitters all over.
6 months may seem like a reasonable amount of time for consistent training.
Yet, it seems like it's not enough.

Are we ready?
Definitely more prepared than the previous APAC.
Could be better though.

With a limited amount of substitutes on the sideline, it's really all about pushing ourselves physically and mentally.
Being a defender isn't the the most anxiety-free position on court.
Bring it on!

It's time to see to what amount we've improved as an individual as well as a team.

Malaysia!

(*Ahem*... Kim Ah Joong, here I come :P)

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Confession of an Addict

It's been burdening me for a very VERY long time now.
After much deliberation and reflection, I have decided...

I've decided to confess to all of you.
Yes, all of you.

I have an addiction that I've been struggling with for a very long time.
I've tried to suppress it but it didn't work.
I'm sure most of you guys out there do struggle with this issue as well but thing is, we never talk about it.
Well, I'm tired of it.
Each time I run away from it, it comes back haunting me over and over again.
It causes me to be drastic in my actions and irrational in my thoughts.
I've been hiding this "sin" for so long now and it has been eating me up bit by bit inside, corrupting my priorities.

One can only hide for so long and when it has taken its toll, you can't but to step out of the closest and confess who you truly are.
The real you.

I'm tired, jaded and weary for carrying this baggage.
It's time I be a man and own up to my sin.

I tried to get rid of it, really I did.
Maybe there's just something seriously wrong with me.
I don't know.
God, help me.

Mum & dad, if you're reading this...
I'm really really sorry...

I'm addicted to......

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Shoes!

HAH!
Gotcha!
:P

Sure you guys terfikir serong wan.. Hahaha...
I'm a shoe addict-lah!
Call it addiction, call it a fetish, but I just love em'.
Can't get enough of em'.
And yes, I got myself a new pair of sports shoes!
(Sorry mum and dad :P)

Woohooooooo!

It rocks!!

Super solid, comfy and the best thing, I got it at a pretty dirt cheap price!
That's a triple kill!

The only thing I have to complain about this shoe is that it's pretty heavy.
But aside from that, it's really good.
Oh well, it'll help build those leg muscles I guess.

As much as I'm a shoe addict, this is actually my first Adidas sports shoe, I think.
Love it!

So, those out there who are shoe addict just as I am, don't be shy to admit.
Don't be as drastic and irrational as me, simply go by shoe only.
Don't waste parents money, use your own if you want em' real bad, like me :P
Well, actually I did buy this pair with a purpose.
Since I'm going to Korea for floorball, I figured better buy one extra pair of shoes just in case something happens to my current pair of Asics.......... Riiiiiiiggghhhttt....

Oh heck, who am I kidding.
I'm just an addict.
=p

This is the Confession of the Shoe'caholic.

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W.I Jonah: Mission Accomplished!

As said before, I'll update you people about my recent participation as a FES Graduate Helper in the Wordilicious Investigators (W.I) event hitting primarily the Northern region.
The event was held last week, Monday to be exact, but preparation and planning started since late last year.
Yep, a whole lot of work before the real thing!

Ok ok, before I blabber on, let me just give you a brief explanation on what's W.I is all about..

It's basically an event that encourages students to read and study the Word. In this case, the book of Jonah to be exact.
The event is planned out in such a way that is exciting for students to participate, reflect and apply what's been put forth through worship, drama and the speaker.

Ever since my 4th semester in university, I sort of made a vow to serve in FES Northern region and having given the chance to do so in this first "major" project with them, it was both a privilege and a thrilling experience!
Being a student before, I knew very well how FES events function.
They have a certain trademark "identity" tagged along with them - a certain distinctive style unlike any other.
Having been to camps and events before, I never could really grasp the tireless preparation these dedicated FES staff have to go through to actually pull things together, making them impactful, enjoyable and fulfilling for students.
Being part of W.I. planning committee has opened my eyes to this 'other side' and has indeed deepened my respect for FES and its staff.

Almost 4 months of planning has led us to just a one-day event.
Students started coming in for registration way earlier than expected.

Students all excited and ready to go on a Jonah experience!
:)

I was one of the Programme Coordinators.
Hear ye! Hear ye!
Let this be known to all! - Handling programme is a task too much for a man to manage!
It can be quite a handful to do when you need to oversee the actors and actresses getting in their costumes, making sure they know their cue, keep track of the flow of programme and so on.
Being one who's not very well skilled in multitasking doesn't really make things any easier.

All my talented actors and actresses in costumes.
From left-right: Kevin, Christine, Wai Wai, Timothy & Nic.

For me, it was a great joy to see students making an effort to participate and be part of the event as a whole.
It was important for us to see that students are participating not just in an all-fun manner but deeper than that, to also participate in a one-day event "date" with Him.

A student taking a challenge to participate in a quiz.

The speaker/actress, Brenda Lee, was superb!
Brenda came on stage at different times as an actress and a speaker.
As actress, she was exceptionally talented. She basically played numerous roles as depicted in the book of Jonah and it's been a while since I last saw an energetic actress on stage.
And as a speaker, she hit the nail right on the head. Naturally, she's very energetic and it was an asset to be used on a setting such as this.

Brenda (on stage) monologue'ing her way through the book of Jonah.

During the break, it was pleasant to see students mingling around with one another.
To me, FES has not only been a place for spiritual growth but also a place where I built numerous relationships.
It was through FES that I've crossed path with many friends and priceless relationships.
Most people don't realize that Christian "networking" is not just essential, it's a necessity.

Break Time!
A good time for a breather!

Students mingling around.

Who says studying the Bible is all so boring and no fun?
We not only made it fun through the comical acting and activities in the hall, we even organized a mini carnival for them!
It was really quite something.
Again, this took a lot of preparation and planning.
We organized 10 different games with very "Biblical" title to it...
Don't believe me?
Check it out...

"Hitting Goliath" - Use a 'sumpit' instead of a 'stone'.
Wah, half the time all the Sarawakians hogged this station.
All Ibans! Cheating weiii!! =P

"40 Days in the Wilderness" -
Using a remote controlled car, complete an obstacle course within the given time.
Such a guy station.
=P

There are others like "Hosea's Chase", "Bartimeus's box", etc.
It was really for students to just have fun and let loose. I think they all did have fun!
People screaming in excitement, laughing, cheering.
If there's a carnival, of course there are prizes to be redeemed!
And the prizes were really good stuff too - Study Bibles, books, Cds, journals, shirts!
How I wish I was a student again! =p

Oh, heck!
If I can't be a student again, I'll be WITH the students at least! HAH!
All USM-ers from dinosaurs to the babies unite!

As a helper, nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing students going back with a big smile on their face.
It's not everyday you have a literally "God given opportunity" to be part of an event that not only teaches the word of God but also an event with an opportunity to help shape the young minds, hearts and spirits of future leaders.
A 4 months planning and preparation for a one day event may sound a little wasted.
To me, it's better to plan and prepare even if it takes a year, two years or even three years just for the sake of a one day event if it counts to make an impact that may last a life time -
Better to take years than to lose for all eternity.

To all my fellow graduate helpers,
It was an honour and privilege to have work alongside you, comrades.
Let's continue to march forth and constantly
"changing students for life"!
:)

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Tension is Rising

I'm blogging now while some of my team mates are playing cards while the others are busy watching the Manchester United versus Liverpool match.
We're all still down in KL for the National Floorball Training and they are bunking at my place.
So, while I have some time on my hands, let me just update a little on what's been happening.

Surprisingly, training has been reasonably "easy going" so far.
No "killers"... yet.
Personally though, I'm feeling the pressure immensely already.
My main position in the team is to command the back line as a defender and it hasn't been going too well.
Making one blunder after another, getting out of position, lacking skill in ball control, etc. - All these haven't been fueling in good energy and spirit.
Admittedly, I'm mentally going downhill and I know it.
And playing with a bunch of experience players doesn't necessarily makes things easier for me.
It's rather tensing'fying, if there's ever such word.

So, for my sake, let me just heave a sigh of relief for surviving through yet another day of a training.
For now, I'm just praying really REALLY hard that I won't disappoint my team mates during the real thing cause' for now, I think I have and I can tell you,
it ain't a good feeling at all.

Tomorrow will be the last training session before we leave for Korea on the 22nd March.
Come, let's sigh again.

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When the days get busy......

I know I haven't been updating my blog as frequent as I hoped it to be.
Been really tied down with on going events, one thing after another.
Just finished helping out in the FES "Wordilicious Investigators" (WI) Event, Northern Region last Monday.
It was awesome!!!
(Will blog about it when I have the time)

Next up will be the long-awaited nerve-wrecking floorball training...
Will be down in KL from Thursday to Sunday (12th-15th March)...
And then it's competition day - All these at the end of March.
Come May, it's the inaugural Graduates STOMP 09'.....
Something a group of friends and I been planning for since last year.
Will share details on that when I have the time!

Anyway, hope you people are doing good in the weeks to come as well.
Drop me a comment and let me know if you're still alive.
Haha.

Cheers!

-Will be back soon-

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Thank You

Recently, a 'friend' of mine came up with an idea for a project call Project Bounce-It off Effect a.k.a. The B.I.O. Effect and I want to share with you what is it all about.

The objective behind this project is pretty simple, to a certain extent, quite common.

"The B.I.O. Effect is a group created to challenge people of any colour of any race, from everywhere across the globe to do one thing -

Take the challenge to Bounce-Off one good thing to at least one person a day.

It's simple!

From the simplest gesture like flashing a smile to the person next to you, giving a hug to a friend in need, saying a simple thank you to the bus driver to big and mind-boggling expression of love and care like donating 1 million bucks for a good cause, saving someone's life while risking your own - whatever it may be, Bounce It Off to the people around you because
YOU can make a difference.

Make every day count for something.

Take up the B.I.O. Challenge.

Make a difference because you can."

There are millions of such events, projects and talks, urging society to make a difference in the world we're living in.
It's common.
Thing is, only a countable few are actually initiating effort to do something about it.

I'm definitely all out for such a cause and belief.
It's uplifting to know that there are still people out there, clinging on to the belief that the little things in life do matter and can still make tremendous impact in our world shadowed by violence, poverty, disappointments and frustrations.

Smile, hug, the simple 'thank you's' and 'you're welcome's' are so very often neglected and taken granted off these days, yet, it is in such act of simplicity that the very basic foundation of love is unveiled.
In light of their inaugural campaign to arouse individual sense of power and capacity to make an impact through the very basic abilities that they possess, the first challenge of Project B.I.O. Effect is to do this very simple act of saying...

"Thank you".

It may sound like a joke.
But recall back and tell me when was the last time you actually said thank you to the bus driver, to the lady at the cashier, to the guard who stays up in his little house to ensure the safety of your apartment or the waiter who served you milo ais'.
Can't recall back now, can u?

If you think about it, 'Thank you' could possibly be the first few words we learnt and picked up as a kid but somehow and somewhere along the line of aging, we get distorted by ingratitude and ungratefulness so much so that we lost that tone of appreciation in our words...
We've forgotten how to say 'Thank You'.

So, the next time a waiter serves you your 'teh ping', or when the cashier hands you your change, smile and know that you spend less than 2 seconds of your life appreciating their service by saying these two forgotten words,
"Thank you".

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Coach, how do we win the medal?

It's been about 3 months now since I was given the task of coaching the USM UniHawks Floorball Team.
I must admit, it hasn't been an easy ride.

Tonight's training was somewhat draining, mentally/emotionally.

In my club, we have 3 "credos" which we stand by to;
Character, Commitmment and Competence.
Out of these three, what's most significant to me is Character.

As a coach in all it's floorball sense, of course I want to see my club progress tactically and technically, winning a medal or two.
I'd be lying if I say all these are not on my mind.
They are.
But above all these sports talk, something else holds greater value to me than medals and position in a league...
And that's the character of my players and ultimately, my club.

I believe my weakness in the coaching sense is that I lack the ability to identify mistakes, analyse strategies and to troubleshoot. I don't have the "eyes" of a coach, as sportsmen would say. Not to mention, I don't really have the right disposition of a coach - you know, that no-nonsense demeanour. Personally, I've always felt that I'm better off as a captain rather than a coach.

Despite these inadequacies that I know I have, I take pride in this role because I believe I've been given a chance to not just build the sport as a whole but also people.
I always say that Character precedes Winning.
So, if I were to lose 50-0 to another team and yet see my players encouraging and cheering each other on, displaying great sportmanship to their opponent and showing a relentless spirit on court, I truly believe that in such seemingly defeating moments, my team has already emerged as victors, earning an internal medal that would last a lifetime to cherish.
To me, that would be the greatest medal a coach could ever receive.

Yet, this can be something tremendously draining.
And tonight's training was one of them.
It's never easy coaching a team consisting of different individuals, each uniquely attributed by their mindset and attitude be it on court or off.
It gets even more discouraging when you see your own players lashing out against another team mate on court.
It really saps a whole load of energy within me to see such things happening.
Draining.

So, I sit here now, asking myself what can I do to show them that unseen and intangible medal.
How do I show my players that medals are won not by defeating another club but more than that, by displaying the right mindset, attitude and perspective towards each other, especially between club members.
What can I do to build them up in character?
How do I show them that character precedes winning?

That medal,
How do we win it?

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