The window view as we descended into Yangon would have fitted a Second World War film: long low buildings set among palms. It seemed like Alec Guinness could walk out any time. The country has had thirty years of stand-still under the military regime. Whereas the population in most of Asia has graduated to motorbikes, here it's still bicycles. The properties are shabby and almost entirely lack upkeep. In India, construction work is evident all over - even if unfinished as the economy temporarily splutters.
Of course, there are exceptions. The International airport is modern and airy. There are pockets of impressive affluence, no doubt now to catch the Chinese investment eye, and, I suspect, formerly to indulge the ruling elite. The Golf Resort hotel we're staying at is an example. And, of course, there's always funds for the many glittering Buddhist temples. A SIM card costs two-and-a-half years' average wage. But the airport Arrivals area was heaving with taxi drivers offering to make you a phone call for a hotel or to reach a local resident.
The plane had lost an hour on departure. John was nowhere to be seen, and Steve was due in about two hours later. So I settled down by my luggage and read chunks of J Oswald Sanders. "Did you actually ask John Biak to meet you?" was Steve's first question. I hadn't; but no rush. It was a short trip from the Airport to the hotel, as I'd managed to establsih when I'd checked currency prices. And it was good to let Steve fill me in with Daniel's situation and the conference in Kerala. Seemingly, the two of them had stayed overnight on Saturday in Kochin with Daniel's friend Dennis. They'd gone to his church, too, and had Sunday dinner together. Dennis had driven them to Thrissur, where they were accommodated in a hotel.
The Monday and Tuesday conference sessions were almost entirely 'in house' to Lionel Daniel's father's ministry's leaders and workers. Daniel had feared this may happen after his visit last October. We'd effectively paid them to use their own church, staged their own leadership training and fed them for free.
John Biak sent an invitation letter by email to Daniel, so at this point getting a visa remained in the balance. I had a shower and went off to try the wifi; Steve crashed out. Hannah had emailed to say our parcel of conference material could be delivered to the Airport. But in the event that's still too late for us to arrange pick-up in time. From our hotel fourth floor room balcony, there's a view south west, whereas the city downtown area lies to the south east of us. Immediately in front there's s development of twenty very substantial modern detached homes. Steve did some seasoned traveller-type washing, and hung stuff on the rail to dry. A gust of wind carried a couple of vital items floating away.
At 5.30pm we resurfaced and met up with John, Butch (from the Philippines), and Dave and Rebecca Parkin, who'd travelled with their friend Nick from Pattaya in Thailand. Butch had heard that Daniel had had to go home - so, we were the team! John's wife Mary joined us for a meal. The whole time was hearty, warm and constructive. However, we're in a spot with money. Daniel had invited Butch, but now his expenses were unresolved. Colney had sent John a considerably smaller advance sum than we'd calculated. The hotel was asking for a night-by-night settlement. The folks from Thailand were, understandably, on a shoestring, too. John explained that most of the delegates would be non-, probably anti- charismatic. Great.
But, with a first day's programme organised, and John having sorted out the practical arrangements for the morning, I was under instruction to get to bed! I didn't so much sleep, as sink into oblivion. Everybody else seemed to have heard a cracking overnight storm.
Of course, there are exceptions. The International airport is modern and airy. There are pockets of impressive affluence, no doubt now to catch the Chinese investment eye, and, I suspect, formerly to indulge the ruling elite. The Golf Resort hotel we're staying at is an example. And, of course, there's always funds for the many glittering Buddhist temples. A SIM card costs two-and-a-half years' average wage. But the airport Arrivals area was heaving with taxi drivers offering to make you a phone call for a hotel or to reach a local resident.
The plane had lost an hour on departure. John was nowhere to be seen, and Steve was due in about two hours later. So I settled down by my luggage and read chunks of J Oswald Sanders. "Did you actually ask John Biak to meet you?" was Steve's first question. I hadn't; but no rush. It was a short trip from the Airport to the hotel, as I'd managed to establsih when I'd checked currency prices. And it was good to let Steve fill me in with Daniel's situation and the conference in Kerala. Seemingly, the two of them had stayed overnight on Saturday in Kochin with Daniel's friend Dennis. They'd gone to his church, too, and had Sunday dinner together. Dennis had driven them to Thrissur, where they were accommodated in a hotel.
The Monday and Tuesday conference sessions were almost entirely 'in house' to Lionel Daniel's father's ministry's leaders and workers. Daniel had feared this may happen after his visit last October. We'd effectively paid them to use their own church, staged their own leadership training and fed them for free.
John Biak sent an invitation letter by email to Daniel, so at this point getting a visa remained in the balance. I had a shower and went off to try the wifi; Steve crashed out. Hannah had emailed to say our parcel of conference material could be delivered to the Airport. But in the event that's still too late for us to arrange pick-up in time. From our hotel fourth floor room balcony, there's a view south west, whereas the city downtown area lies to the south east of us. Immediately in front there's s development of twenty very substantial modern detached homes. Steve did some seasoned traveller-type washing, and hung stuff on the rail to dry. A gust of wind carried a couple of vital items floating away.
But, with a first day's programme organised, and John having sorted out the practical arrangements for the morning, I was under instruction to get to bed! I didn't so much sleep, as sink into oblivion. Everybody else seemed to have heard a cracking overnight storm.
