the senior citizens in church were organizing their weekend-getaway & my family received an unexpected invite to join them. unexpected because, although we are from different care-groups & we do occasionally go out for meals, we never anticipated that we would join them for a mini-church camp.
the venue was prophectically named El Sanctuary Home Stay, at Alor Gajah in Melaka. True to its name, it wasn't an easy place to locate & i had missed the turning from the main road. after all, it is nestled in 8 acres of an old rubber estate.
after parking the car & taking a short uphill walk....
.....we were greeted with....
....wooden chalets built along the hill slope.
with a view like this from the dining hall...
...how difficult is it to get back to nature?
the chalets have all the basic amenities, including en-suite bath/toilet with heater, as well as a hot/cold water dispenser. however, an air-con is NOT considered basic here. but i am impressed that in a place like this, amidst a forest of rubber trees, there are almost no mosquitoes!! the owner vincent later explained that he fogs the place regularly.
it's a family-run concern & they get perks/concessions from local govt & tourism authorities for the kampung homestay concept. vincent played the role of the consummate host with ease, reminiscent of the friendly hospitality extended by B&B's in the english countryside. his wife anne is an excellent cook, conjuring up tasty dishes served with brown rice.
meals are served in a spacious open-air dining hall...
.....everyone, young & senior, tucking in.....
...furnished to look rustic with wood-based decor.
...how's this for a back-to-basic sink - copper pipes & earthen pot.....
.....a gong placed just outside the dining hall is used to announce chow-time, & doubles as a toy for the kids...
chalet #8 is where we spent the night - kampung-style
a stone-paved path leads to the meeting hall located below the dining hall....
...the entrance with a overhanging sign that bids a warm welcome..
the hall (with air-con) can comfortably seat 80, but we number only 20 that morning...
..the senior guys leading song service.
the beach is always a hit with the kids - in this case, pantai kemunting just 20mins drive away...
...especially when you can release little turtles....
...back to sea...
...thanks to the efforts of the local turtle management/hatchery centre....
...where the endangered species are bred in captivity...
tell me, when you are afflicted with the agony & anxiety of urban living.....
....wouldn't a sanctuary provide sweet solace & respite?
"LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?" psalm 15:1
11 comments:
2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart
3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,
5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.
=)
isn't that a whole lot of steps for senior citizens to climb though?
anastasia,
no, because the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord & he delights in his way (psalms 37:23).
besides, small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (matt 7:14).
but, thanks for looking up the rest of the message - may you be blessed as you are guided by the instructions.
place looks perfect for a spiritual retreat :)
This place would have been perfect! if it had airconditioning for its rooms. Where exactly in alor gajah? Is it near the A Farmosa water theme park/golf resort? It must have been a very recent development cos I was there (Tampin) almost every year in 2004-2005.
beng,
with a name like El Sanctuary, how can you miss??
check out their website at http://www.elsanctuary.com/
you'd be glad you went.
Interesting. And I was just with a friend over lunch, discussing about lack of places for retreats. This might prove useful. Thanks.
las M,
alor gajah is a district in melaka, near the A Famosa.
it has been operating for about a year. check out its website posted in the previous comment.
at rm60 per pax per nite with 3 home-cooked meals, it's very affordable to students & youths.
& the hospitality is priceless.
jonzz,
this is a little-known gem. hope you'll find it!
I think can consider a trip there for my future christian fellowship camp!!
lynnx,
you & the fellow campers will be glad you all went.
You've got a pretty cool blog here, keep up the good work.
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