My Dilemma - Sad & Happy

This week, I learned many life lessons that money cannot buy. Going for a return trip to Pulau Tiga was one of my big dreams yet I sacrificed it for a spiritual program held in my church in Papar. Yes, my company's sport & recreation club was organising this trip to Pulau Tiga, in fact, I was very supportive of the idea - failing to realise that the dates chosen clashes with the dates I had committed for some divine work. Yes, I've been to the 'Survivor Island', once famous for CBS's highly rated reality series back in 2000. It was in 2006 my dream of touring that island came true, having to accompany an agent from Holland for a 2D/ 1N FAM visit. Playing in the volcano mud, admiring giant comodos and macaques playing with waves were the highlights of my visit.

This time around, I missed the opportunity to go there in a group of friends. Ironically, in 2006, I envisaged that I'll return to this island with a group of chanting friends. It was because the island is such a lovely island but its not ideal to step in with just two people. It was so lonely. This time, my dream came true but I wasn't in the pictures. Where am I?

I landed in the little known Papar church, secluded and miles & miles away from the hustle and buzzle of city life. People here were so friendly, the air was so fresh, the sound of the surrounding jungle/ bush reminded me of my childhood. I got to make new friends, meet old friends and get to shoulder big responsbility (something I never thought during my childhood that someday I would be) and I got to reflect on my life. Senior people came to me and shared his lifelong experience to me, reminded me of Jim Rohn. In short, my heart was neither here or there. I love both places and it's an opportunity cost no matter which decision I make. I was very fulfilled in my visit to Papar this time (my ex hometown) and I've no regret of missing the Pulau Tiga trip (though I'm still sad).

Hopefully in future I won't encounter such pathetic scenarios again. I know I'm now divided whether to go to Jakarta-Bandung or to Mulu this year, yet, most likely I won't make it to Jakarta since my mission to Mulu is so much relevant to my work. I'd like to visit both places but the issue of 'relevance' is the determining factor. Wish me more luck okay?