Falam to Hakha

16 September 2008

Lai Var Hydro-electric (Falam)

Department of Agriculture

Tea Garden (Falam)

Hakha Tea Plantation

Hakha Town

The town of Hakha, more than 6,000 feet above the sea level, is founded on a small highland plateau. Although it is relative small in land area, it is the largest town and Capital city of the whole state and its plateau is significant larger than Falam or any other towns we have seen on Chin hills.

The mountain ranges of Chin Hills are just fill with steep mountain ranges with deep valleys. Hakha is further away from Kaleymo compared to Falam. Our journey to Hakha was led by the state Governor and we journeyed with a caravan of vehicles.  

Upon we arrival at Hakha, we were joyfully welcomed by Hakha Township officials and Chin State Governor officials, different relief workers, Christian leaders and many other people from Hakha township.

A sad day in Hakha

We had lunch at Hakha and after lunch, we went out to visit Chin traditional clothing shop, visited CACC office, Christian Bible College. We much expectancy to help the Chin people who needed much more avenues for livelihood in this rugged environment.

Furthermore, the recent rat plagues in some part of the Chin state e.g. Palewa have affected thousands of people. What started as an ordinary day in Chin state with many warm receptions would eventually turn into one of the saddest day in our lives.

I will never forget the evening when we received the call that my daughter Emmanuel had a fever and had some difficult in breathing. I fasted and prayed, I stayed awake and in prayer. Around midnight, we cancelled all the remaining itinerary including the trip to the next town Thlan Tlang where more relief efforts is happening and arrange for first flight out to Yangon.

17 September 2008

At 4 am, we rushed to the cars and headed toward Kalemyo Airport. It was an unusual night in Chin state as it was full moon and the stars were shinning so brightly. We had complete visibility of the winding roads at 4am. I was amazed at the handy work of God.

As we were driving, I noticed we had been escorted by a caravan of vehicle back to the Kaleymo airport. It was the longest trip of our lives. By now, we suspect that  Emmanuel was rather critical and I just wanted to be with her. I just wanted to hold my baby.

We arrived at the airport at 1pm after 9-10 hours long and rather dangerous journey through mountainous terrain and our departure would be at 2:30pm.  At 1:30pm, however we received a call from the Hospital that her heart had stopped beating and the doctor has pronounced her as medical dead. Emma was no more. We asked the doctor keep her on the ventilator until we get back as we are not convinced she has gone so quickly that is less than 24 hours from admission to the hospital. Oh how I had longed to hold her and see her alive, one more time.  I now found myself on the floor screaming face down in utter agony at the airport.

In that moment I never wanted to hear the name Chin State again nor see any photos of the trip, they would always remind of the day I had lost my baby girl.

In my deep despair, I still felt the deep needs of these Chin people were as much or even more painful life experience than me due to lack in some many areas of life. I still had Daniel and Samuel and all my family members with me. We took a flight to Yangon.

After  four hours of flight and transition, we touched down in Yangon and rushed immediately to the Yangon Children Hospital ICU where Emma had been admitted. She was laying looking pale and with no sign of life.

Daniel and I prayed in Jesus name that God will bring her back to life if it is not the time for her to go. After several minutes, we committed her soul into the hand of Jesus Christ her savior and Lord.               Emmanuel