Things to take note of when travelling alone to an unknown country

1)	Always have your important documents in your pocket
2)	Always keep your wallet in the front pocket
3)	Always learn a few sentences of the country's language you are going to (unless you want to spend ½ hour trying to explain where you want to go)
4)	Always have a smile on your face.

Well that’s what I did when I reached Sibu (Sarawak). Unknown place, unknown faces. I had to make my way around Sibu myself. No map, unfamiliar roads. I just have a pair of legs, a 1.5 litre of mineral water and some orientation skills to rely on to get back to the youth centre.

After a week in Dalat, I met many nice people and went to many nice places. For this trip I reflect on the gospel from Luke 10:1-12. I really felt that I was one of the 72 whom Jesus sent out in twos and my companion was Jesus. Eat what they have to offer. Even though some of the people have difficulty speaking English, we somehow understood each other. I guess this is what we call ‘universal language’.

Following their lifestyle is not as easy as I thought. They relax the whole day (I get uncomfortable if I am not doing anything) I did not even hear a car passing by. It’s just so peaceful, everyone is at peace.

The police do not patrol the area or catch people except clean the police station. No wonder, they came in 2nd Cleanest Police Station in the whole of Malaysia). So overall this trip was worth it. I got to know Fr Pat, Fr Willy and not forgetting the youths and the people of Dalat. Well at least God didn’t let me lose my way.

By Timothy Ho