choose to feel

See you there!

2011-01-20T12:30:00.001+08:00

ER09

2009-05-22T11:38:00.005+08:00

Tonight's the big night! The Easter Rally 2009 officially starts tonight and goes on for 3 days with conferences and a concert tomorrow night. This year for the first time, they're holding a catholic kids conference as well. Saw the kids rehearse some dance moves last night, totally adorable.

Feels a little out of place initially serving in the hospitality ministry with a group of secondary school kids. However, it's nice to see them filled with enthusiasm. Teenagers are so carefree and hyped up. While looking at the girls skip yesterday, I couldn't help but reminisce my teenage years and think how much I've changed/grown in the past few years. Suddenly I long for that zest to really go all the way for God.

This may sound weird, but being back in ER is like falling in love with Jesus all over again - the joy that fills the place, the focus on Him, the praising, the sharing, the recommitment one makes... it may be something I've forgotten in the past years.

Phuket

2009-05-21T14:22:00.006+08:00

Our trip to Phuket was indeed an enjoyable one (though not quite as relaxing as the one we had at Redang). Sort of a graduation trip we planned months ago before everyone goes their separate ways.

The first night on the island was pretty much a cultural shock to me as we walked along Bangla street where pubs and clubs filled the entire street - local ladies (and some who looked like them) and foreigners were everywhere. Some local ladies wrapped up in the arms of men while others were advertising themselves for business. Uneasy.

We managed to get a few rooms for the 15 of us in Erawan Guesthouse which cost us less than RM80 for 4 nights. Cheap huh. Nothing fancy but the place was really clean. Oh yeah, Phuket has really clean public toilets!

We kinda got conned into a RM150 per pax island hopping package on the way out of the airport and probably wasted RM20 each. Lesson learnt- don't get anything from the airport except for rides to the hotel. Nevertheless, we had a great view of the islands (5 I think) and some snorkelling (and severe sunburnt, of course). Oh, not forgetting the seasick some of us had during the very bumpy 1 hour plus ride on the speed boat. As for myself, I didn't feel nausea at all but I learnt another lesson: NEVER to go to the toilet in a speedboat!

The food was great. Loved the duck noodle and tom yam soups. We bought this pancake filled with cheese and egg at one of the beaches.

Looks just like Malaysia's roti canai, doesn't it?

One of the other thing I really enjoyed was that there were lots of dogs on the streets and most of them had collars around their necks. The cutest dogs are seen in shops where they keep their shopkeeper owner company.

This cute fella was begging by the road! (See the container on the left?)

That Backstroke

2009-04-01T23:29:00.004+08:00

I still can't believe it.

This is my last week in the university!! Well, officially, at least. After this week it's gonna be presentations and finalizing my thesis.

Sigh,
5 years sounded like a really looong time before I came into uni,
then years passed by one by one,
now I feel like 5 years just happened in a blink of an eye!

Anyway, enough of emo-ing. Je ne veux pas travailler (I don't want to work), but I have to. Life goes on. Time to support myself and my family now.

What am I feeling now?

I feel like I'm doing the backstroke (I never had confidence in this, still don't).

Everytime I tilt my chin downwards to peek which direction I've steered myself towards, I see myself moving to the left or right, seldom on the straight path. Then as I feel myself nearing the other end, I have that fear of knocking my head on the wall.

That scares me a little- just make how leaving uni feels like. Though I know my goal, where I'm heading - that's to the end of the pool/ to get a good job, the journey is still so unsure. I'm swimming in unfamiliar ground, not knowing which direction I am or I should be steering towards.

But nevertheless I know that to get to the other end, I just have to keep my gaze up, focus on Him and have faith.

Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-28T23:50:00.006+08:00

Supported Earth Hour 2009 last saturday (8.30 - 9.30pm) by switching off all the electrical appliances in the apartment. My university even participated in this event by switching off the non-essesntial lights e.g. the corridor lights in the apartments. Cool.

We lighted candles and decided to play cards to pass time. We had so much fun that we decided to extend another 15 minutes. Hehe... It ain't so bad/torturing after all without the lights and fan.

Anyway, I believe this campaign is able to create awareness. My housemates and I now make the extra effort to switch of the unused lights (which we never quite bothered cause the electricity/water bills are covered in our accomodation fees.. *whoops* :P ).

Marley & Me

2009-03-22T21:45:00.010+08:00

Here's one FANTASTIC doggy movie that will bring laughter and tears to you!

In the movie, John (Owen Wilson) surprises Jennifer (Jennifer Aniston) by adopting a adorable young yellow Labrador, which later was named after Bob Marley.

Even though Marley was known as 'the world's worst dog', or rather I should say because he was known as the worst dog, each stunts that he pulled were seriously crazy man... Everything that he came across was either ripped, chewed, swallowed or destroyed. I laughed a lot in the first 3 quarter of the movie.

The story goes on as the family moves, the couple has children blah blah... I thought it was also a good movie in the sense that the couple as popular as they were, their role did not outshine Marley's, who undoubtedly was the main star of the movie.

The movie reminds us how much our dogs are able to love us so unconditionally and no matter how naughty they are, we can't bring ourselves to stay mad with them for too long. And it is no secret that dogs can read our emotion. Like in a scene in the movie when Jennifer was sad, Marley just lies on her lap quietly (contradicting to his usual behavior).

My ratings: 9/10

Sigh, after watching this I miss my Fiffy even more!

Graduation Retreat

2009-03-22T18:09:00.008+08:00

The long planned retreat for students graduating this semester finally arrived after much postponing on the14th & 15th March. But hey! We're all so glad it happened. This has been my most relaxing retreat/camp ever, since Joshua Johnson (JJ) planned almost everything plus the schedule was flexible.

Upon arriving at the PD Methodist Center, we had an ice-breaker session. But we already know each other you say! That's what we all thought. But as each person threw those fluffy dice on the plank and answered questions like 'What was your most xxx moments in uni?' we learnt so much more about our friends. Prem got the question 'What have you done in uni that you've never done before you came uni?' and when he replied 'Programming!' we burst into laughter at the IT soon-to-be-graduate.

What was the retreat all about? One of the session was called Closure of our uni life where JJ had us write down how we feel and things we want to do before we leaving - having the end in mind for a good beginning. We had JD over to share his work experience later that afternoon.

In the next session, he had us list down things/people to let go and to say goodbye to and things to look forward to in the life after campus. Also, he had us reminisce our experience for the past 5 years and drew a happy/sad moments versus time graph etc.

On the same day, we walked up to Teluk Kemang to see raptures (it was the rapture migration season) but unfortunately saw no sign of any. Nevertheless, we had a good walk up there while eating pisang goreng and leko-leko. Hehe.. Some people attempted to walk backwards downhill (above: bottom left photo). Ooo... then after our session at night, after playing taboo the old style, Adelynn introduced us to playing charade with the taboo cards. And we ended laughing like mad into the wee hours of the morning! (Check out the bottom right photo above) I think that's Aggy trying to act out 'caterpillar'.

Here we were jumping for joy for our university experience that has partly molded into who we are, yet it feels sad to close this chapter of my life...

The Kite Runner

2009-03-22T16:35:00.001+08:00

For a few days I curled up with this book by Khaled Hosseini till the early hours of the morning. A book definitely worth reading- vivid, engaging and touching, leaving a lasting impression.

The novel explores many themes: family loyalty, the inhumanity of a rigid class system, the horrific realities of war, and the power of love and redemption.

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy, Amir, and the son of his father's servant, Hassan, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in Afghanistan. Both children grew up like brothers roaming the streets of Kabul even though they couldn't be more different.

Twice in his lifetime Amir is morally tested in his relationship with Hassan. Even as Amir chooses the path of least resistance, the scar of betrayal cuts through his soul and never heals. This novel spans Afghani history from the peaceful 70's to the repressive rule of the Taliban in the late '90s.

The Kite Runner has been banned by the Afghan government because the ethnic tensions that the story highlights. It has faced challenges and bans in the United States as well.

A movie was made based on this book in 2007.

V is for Very Very Extraordinary

2009-02-24T00:31:00.011+08:00

This V-day, JD brought me to a restaurant in Federal Hotel called the 'Rotating Bintang Restaurant'. This is Malaysia's first rotating restaurant, and also, it was my first time dining in one. It was so cool! Was totally excited... Yeah, JD knows how much I love trying out new places. I think we both share a common interest in exploring new 'makan' places. Yay!

View of Federal Hotel from the outside

As we stepped out of the lift at the 18th floor, we could see a very pretty view of Kuala Lumpur. The restaurant gave an impressive 360 degree view of the city. It took around 1/2 hour to make 1 full round. Though, I must add that the place kinda jerks a little when moving, but not to the extend till it annoys one (at least not to me). Perhaps it's because the place has been around for quite a while.

Night view from the 18th floor

There was also a live band entertainment playing oldies and jazz. Totally my taste of music (although perhaps not for most people my age). But nevertheless, I loved the atmosphere. Lights dimmed, romantic music... ooo... candlelights too!

Atmosphere in the restaurant

Anyway, the place offers fine Western cuisine. 50 bucks for a set meal per pax, which includes an appetizer, a main course, dessert and coffee/tea. We thought it was quite reasonable, considering we're dining in a hotel. The main meal's portion (either steak or baby lobster & tuna) was rather small but in the end (after dessert) we were full!

Appetizer

Steak

Baby Lobster and Tuna

Dessert

Rantings of A Soon-To-Be-Graduate

2009-02-23T23:47:00.006+08:00

Searching for a job is another stage of OH-NO-what's-gonna-happen-next since 5 years ago when I had to decide what degree to take up.

It can be frustrating at times when you're in this situation of uncertainty. Men naturally want to be able to be in control of things happening around them. Likewise, when we can't plan for the future because of certain uncertainties, we get worried and sometimes agitated. Well, at least I felt that way today. But I am to remind myself that in these times, God's teaching me to surrender the things that I can't control into His providing hands...

Having not really gone out into the working world, I feel it's hard to decide what I actually want to do, thus the random applying through the internet world. I guess this is when advice of others come in, then again everyone has something different to say- Take masters. Work first. You should go into the academic line. You're wasting time with masters. Chances of promotion for a lady in this industry are slim.

Anyway, I've decided to try out the industry world first. Give it a go for a year or so. By then I should have a clearer picture of what I would like to do. If it's according to His plans, I'll be offered a placement in a consultant firm.

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. ~Proverbs 16:9

Chap Goh Mei

2009-02-13T22:41:00.004+08:00

Since Uncle Kenneth and family moved here, I've been popping over for celebrations. So good to have a relation's place to go to and spend time during the longer weekends.

Last weekend was one of those times. Most of the cousins are here around KL studying/ working now. So my uncle, being the usual family man, organized a pool side BBQ in conjunction with Chap Goh Mei (the 15th day of the Chinese New Year).

After a very filling meal, we gathered together to play Mafia.

Here's a photo we, cousins who slept over, took the next morning before everyone went back to their colleges/ universities.

My uncle's Innova was pratically like a packed school bus, imagine 11 people in it!! Haha...

Stunts by Adorable Cousin

2009-02-13T22:13:00.007+08:00

Here's one of my youngest cousin who's totally adorable. Here are a few shots I took of her doing her cool stunts:

Miss flexible

The 3-petaled flower tongue - this is totally one of a kind! She can turn it into 2-petaled as well..

The bowled-in tongue - her brother actually tried pouring water into it and there it stayed!

My Final Year Project

2009-02-13T20:45:00.008+08:00

Finally the days of hard and sweaty work in the lab has ended. So here's a post to show you what I've been up to:

PART 1 - Casting:
After all the calculation of the proportions of materials etc, the casting takes place:

Preparing of molds - applying oil on the inside so it's easier to remove the concrete later on

Preparing of materials - Coarse aggregates, sand, cement, fly ash and water

Mixing the concrete

Pouring it out into a wheel barrel

Slump test - to determine its workability

Placing the concrete into the molds

Removing of the molds 24 hours after casting

Placing the concrete into the curing tank for 28 days of curing

PART 2 - Testing
So... after 28 days, the concrete cylinders are ready to be tested:

Ultrasonic pulse velocity test - to determine how fast the pulse travels through each cylinders

Compression test - to determine how much load the concrete can withhold

Modulus of elasticity test

Working in the lab had been extremely tiring. Everything's so heavy that I wished I were a guy with muscles! Haha... Anyway, what's left of my final year project is the analysis, writing of my thesis and also the presentation.

By the way, what's my project about? It's partial replacement of fly ash in concrete in high volumes. Fly ash is basically what's left from burning coal to generate electricity. So instead of dumping it in the ground (this causes disposal problems and also, fly ash contains traces of heavy metal that could be hazardous to our health), we're exploring the effects of it in concrete with hopes that it can strengthen concrete.

I guess standing where I am now and looking back, I'm truly blessed that I did not get the title I initially wanted.

So, again I shall say - God always sees the bigger picture.

CNY 09

2009-02-10T23:10:00.005+08:00

This year's Chinese New Year was rather awkward, or would I say unusual. For the first time in my 23 years, my sis wasn't around for the celebration hence the feeling of absence. Sigh.. if you ask me, CNY just ain't complete without a family member missing.. So make sure you're back next year!

Grandma is always the 1st to give out ang pows to all of us (including our parents, uncles and aunties) right after the reunion dinner.

Fireworks are never to be missed the night before CNY. Click here for more gorgeous pictures!

My cousin, his wife and their kid that I haven't seen in a while.

Fiffy all dressed up pretty and girly for CNY too!

Look how excited she was! Hehe...

Looking back

2009-01-13T21:52:00.002+08:00

Looking back at the last year, here are a few great things God has helped me accomplished:

1. Driving out of campus alone - thanks to Kiran who trusted me with her car (seldom drive even back at home so yay! Big accomplishment! :D )

2. Getting a new dog!!!

3. By God's grace able to put up a presentation with the Stepping Stones kids started totally clueless. (Will try to put up the video when I get the CD.)

4. Hm.. Putting on weight?? :)

Leakage in the Apartment

2009-01-13T10:10:00.005+08:00

What seemed like a simple spill on the kitchen floor last Wednesday night turned out to be a major leakage in the wall. Water kept oozing out of the concrete even after we cleaned it and it's getting more by the day.. Yikes! It was confirmed by a huge yellow patch on the kitchen wall looking from outside.

Two days ago, the Iraqi lady staying below our floor complained that water was leaking from our floor. It was then we realized that we were not the only victims of this mishap. After checking out the rest of the floors, it seemed that the 4 apartments below ours were affected too.

One particular apartment's balcony was really flooded!

On that same floor the leaking water was so much that it flooded the staircase area too...

Lodged a complain to the office since last Thursday. Hope the contractor comes before it floods our entire settee. Don't want to imagine what that would be like.. even so there's the repair job to dread. Hacking of the wall and fixing whatever would take a few days... Oh dear!

Forgotten

2009-01-05T00:40:00.003+08:00

You know when God is far... wait, what am I saying?
I meant you know when you're far from God (since God is always there for us, it's only us who's moving away), when you sin and yet not feel guilty about it.

I guess, as human as we are, we always try to justify our actions, even when we know behind our minds that it's actually wrong. Comforting ourselves we do so well.

Or it could be the struggle that many Christians go through, even Christ himself knows very well. That the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41)

Tough lessons that have be learned long ago- the guilt, divine healing and forgiveness... all that seemed to have been forgotten.

And yet... God seems to always pull us back on the right track by making known to us His Word and conviction by the Holy Spirit.

May God grant us the strength to overcome our sins in this new year as we strive to have a closer and intimate walk with Him.

Blessed

2008-12-16T14:49:00.003+08:00

Today after practice, David, one of the teenage boys in the shelter offered to close in prayer.

It's amazing how a simple prayer can lift up my spirit from that long and exhausting day - just by thanking God and asking Him to bless me.

Expect God to touch our hearts in the most unexpected way and time.

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear...

2008-12-14T00:21:00.005+08:00

TECHFLOW production presents yet another Christmas play entitled '2000 Years Ago'. This year's story revolves around the birth of Jesus - the reason for this season of joy.

This year since a few of my relatives are around I'm inviting them over to watch the play too. I'm sure my little cousins will enjoy it, hehe...

There'll be a special item after the play. The kids from stepping stones are presenting a hand mime for the song 'We are the Reason'. It's gonna be really cool.

All are welcomed to come, details are as follows:
Date: 22nd December 2008
Time: 7.30-10.30pm
Venue: Sri Sarjana Hall (MPH), UNITEN

Purple Cane Tea Restaurant

2008-12-13T17:47:00.006+08:00

It's been a while since I blogged about food, or rather blogged at all. Hehe... Today I feel like talking about food so here goes. This was a place we went to some months ago, situated in the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall, Jalan Maharajalela, KL.

The uniqueness of Purple Cane Tea Restaurant is that it cooks all its dishes in tea. The food served are simple, with less oil, salt, sugar and no artificial flavors.

Even the rice was cooked in tea! (But didn't get too much of the tea taste though.)

We just ordered a dish of vegetable and this 'Simmered Chicken Boxing in Tea' which tasted quite nice.

Overall the place is just average, a simple and nice chinese meal. Other outlets are located near Pudu and in Midvalley.

The Other Boleyn Girl

2008-11-18T13:38:00.015+08:00

The Other Boleyn Girl is a cinema adaptation of a novel by the same name by British author Philippa Gregory. It is a romanticised account of the life of the 16th-century English court, Lady Mary Boleyn (played by Scarlett Johansson), who was the sister of Queen Anne Boleyn (played by Natalie Portman) and one-time mistress of King Henry VIII of England (played by Eric Bana).

I would say it was a great movie but found it rather disturbing to my mind for some reasons. So I decided to read up to find out on whether how much of the storyline was true. The king was indeed a 'womanizer'. He had six marriages!

After watching the movie did I then realized that this King Henry VIII was the king whom we learnt in our history classes back in our secondary school days.

Anyway, as I was saying, the movie left me feeling rather uneasy. I thought it was scary that one man had so much power that he can do whatever he wants and have whoever he wants, for instance Mary Boleyn, even though she's married then. Then there's the question of disloyalty of the king which goes unaccounted for just because he's king.

The story goes on showing the impatience of the king after Queen Catherine's inability to produce the heir he desired. It was when Mary was confined due to her pregnancy that he became enamoured with Anne Boleyn. (What a player!) Anne's resistance to the king's affection and refusal to become his mistress as her sister Mary Boleyn had made Henry even more attracted, and he pursued her relentlessly.

Eventually, Anne saw her opportunity in Henry's infatuation and determined that she would only yield as his acknowledged queen. So, it soon became the King's absorbing desire to annul his marriage to Catherine.

Because the Catholic church did not allow such remarriage, this led Henry to separating the Anglican church from the Roman hierarchy and therefore establishing himself as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

I think from this history fact, we see how strong a woman can influence a man that he would go to such exaggerated measures. This somehow reminded me of Proverbs 31:30 which says 'Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.'

The ending was yet another distressing scene as Anne was beheaded, being accused for high treason, adultery and incest. She never did bore the king a male heir but a girl who later became Queen Elizabeth I.

*Phew* I had no idea the history of the royal family of England was that complicated..

My ratings: 7.5/10

When I say... "I am a Christian"

2008-10-07T16:39:00.005+08:00

Today as I was having lunch, I recalled this conversation I had with an elderly lady on the plane some time ago. She was complaining about her relative - a Christian who falsely accused her about 10 years ago and until this day the relative doesn't speak too her. How can a Christian be like that, were her words.

Being a Christian has never been easy for the fact that when we say 'I'm a Christian' or when others see our 'Jesus is the Way!' bumper sticker or by that simple cross medal hanging around our neck, people immediately expect us to be perfect - to be helpful, kind in words, forgiving and the list goes on.

Well, people have high expectations of Christians. But the fact is that we are not and we're struggling through to be a better person God wants us to be, just like everyone else.

It reminded me of a poem I posted up years ago by Maya Angelou. Here's a part of the poem:

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

How true it is! By God's grace and strength, we would be able to overcome our weaknesses. So please be patient while God works in us!

Peace of God

2008-10-04T23:16:00.011+08:00

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9

Reading these verses during mass this evening, I thought of the many times when people have asked: How do I have peace in my heart? Of course, there were also times when I asked myself that question in times of distress.

And yet these answers lie in the bible, telling us clearly how we are able to have this peace of God:

Don’t worry about anything;
Instead, for everything, pray and thank him for all He has done.
Tell God what you need.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from Jesus—everything you heard from Him and saw Him doing.

When God says in everything... with thanksgiving... , He's not only asking us to thank Him for the good that (we think) happened in our lives, but we also ought to thank God for our trials and tribulations.

I guess sometimes it's not easy to thank Him for situations we're struggling in especially when they're things we're really upset about like a loved one who's critically ill or when we get into a fight with a friend. Huh? Thank God that my aunt's sick? Thank God we quarreled? You gotta be kidding! That's what we probably be thinking but in the end I guess we have to trust that God's Word is unfailing and He sticks to His promises...

Related post: Why not give thanks?

Introducing Stepping Stones

2008-10-04T22:02:00.012+08:00

'Suppose a brother and sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? The same way, faith by itself, if it is not accomplished by action, is dead.'
James 2: 15-17

The Stepping Stones Living Center Sdn. Bhd., formerly known as the Stepping Stones Home, was established in November 1998, to provide assistance to the needy.

Their objective was to give moral/spiritual instruction, social/spiritual direction and education and has grown from 3 to 110 children, 9 mothers and 9 aged.

The home has no regular financial support from any organization or corporate world, but only individuals. As they live in FAITH and PRAYER, they are sustained by what He has ordained.

The Directors of Stepping Stones Living Center (SSLC) - Pastor Johnson & Aunty Nina

After his theological studies at the Malaysian Bible Seminary 97/98, Pastor Johnson was moved by the prompting of the Holy Spirit into the Social Concern Ministry.

And so the challenge began with this great mission of providing shelter for children and adults alike, from scratch. He set out to clear an old abandoned wooden house in Taman Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur.

The hall was used for worship, meals, sleep and rest as there was not enough space. As Stepping Stones grew in number, the porch area was also converted for their daily activities.

Later on, the children took an active part in the further expansion of the home, known as the "upstairs" as the number of occupants increased.

The preschoolers are placed in the home of the pastor. Staying in the home are also old folks who are helped by the young mothers and girls of the home.

Overcoming the odds - Pastor Johnson at work in his make-do office located at the porch area of the home, in his uniform; the famous sarong and banyan.

STEPPING OUT TO NEW HORIZON

SSLC has been gifted with a piece of land in Nilai and this project costs approximately RM10 million. Their future plans are to provide a bigger facility for about 400-500 children. Amenities include administrative block, boys hostel (200 pax), girls hostel (200 pax), cafeteria, workshops, mothers institute (50 pax) and old folks (50 pax) park.

* Donations can be made to Stepping Stones Living Center Sdn. Bhd.
Account No. 1209 70 010022 122 - Alliance Bank

All text and photos edited from the SSLC 10th Anniversary & Thanksgiving Dinner Souvenir Programme Booklet

SSLC: 10th Anniversary

2008-10-03T01:35:00.009+08:00

Stepping Stones Living Center celebrated their 10th anniversary in the HGH Convention Center, Sentul on the 20th September. Besides the celebration, the event was aimed to raise funds for the new center to be built in Nilai. Here are some of the photos I took on that night:

The kids were beautifully and smartly dressed for the event.

Besides the dancing presentation by various groups, Sasi The Don was also there. He presented a song with the pastor's son who is also a artist with a song. Also, we managed to sneak backstage and snapped a few photos with Jaclyn Victor, our 1st Malaysian Idol. She sang a few songs like 'I Surrender All' (Christian song) and 'I Will Survive'. Really good voice she had!

We took this photo with Pastor Johnson (the founder of the shelter) after the event ended.

Nina and the butterfly girls.

Same old stuff Yawn

2008-09-29T12:30:00.004+08:00

Episodes 1 and 2 of Heroes Season 3 had been a huge dissapointment I thought. It's the same old stuff, Peter Petrelli going back to the past to change things. Zoom backwards, forward, blah blah... Nathan gets shot dies then Linderman heals him. It's like no one dies in the series. How boring. Same old stuff.

Hope the rest of the season has more fresh ideas.

Why not give thanks?

2008-09-28T23:40:00.009+08:00

I remember one of the valuable lessons I learned during the bible study group during my last internship was to give thanks when we face trials. This was shared by one of the elderly colleague in the group.

A few days after the sharing, I got into an argument with a friend and I thought: Why not give it a try? Instead of complaining to HIM or leaning on my own thoughts, I chose to give thanks for the person.

And it worked. By thanking for the person, it helped to divert my thoughts to God instead of the problem. Not only do I feel less upset and burdened, it helped to dissolve the matter sooner.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

If ever you doubt what you read about God's Word, it's okay. Just take up the challenge, try it for yourself, put the verse into practice and see God working!

As John said: You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

Green Angel Day

2008-09-28T22:40:00.019+08:00

Taking advantage of the Nurul Quran holiday on the 17th September, Shwe decided to organize a Green Angel Day - a night walk in FRIM located in Kepong.

The walk was really cool... though we walked in darkness with barely any light besides those from the torches. Some walked in total darkness since they were blindfolded for the 1st 10-15 minutes. All participants had their hands tied with Raffia string then tied to the next person so it forms a long line. Crazy stuff to do in the dark but hey! It was fun.. Haha..

So you must be wondering what on earth is there to see in the dark? Plenty! For the first time I saw glow-in-the-dark mushrooms and bugs besides the fireflies. And surprisingly, we could see some tree trunks glowing as it reflected the light from the moon.

The best part was this puzzle-like view which was totally, totally magnificent (pic below)! It was nothing I've ever seen before and it's just amazing to see how uniquely beautiful this plant is. Something only our creative Creator could have done!

This phenomenon is known as "Crown Shyness" and these trees are called the Dryobalanops Aromatica or the kapur tree. As these trees grow in the forest, they develop a mutual avoidance that forms the gap.

The guide later asked us to pick up its leaf, crunch it and smell it. It had a nice smelling odour. He then explained that these plants are made into oilment like the the Tiger Balm.

Another treasured moment was when the guide requested everyone to be silent for 20 seconds and savor the sounds of the night in the jungle. All we could hear were the sounds of insects. In the stillness, I couldn't help but brought myself to thank Him for His awesome creations. I was totally amazed by His creation!

The last part of the walk was pretty adventurous as we journey downhill. The guides made us switched off our lights from our phones as we passed by a minor stream. So we had to make our way through it by crossing from stone to stone pretty much in the dark. Funny though, that the longer we were in the dark, I realized that we started adapting to the darkness and learned very quickly how to move about in the dark - the reflection of the moonlight on the water, feeling the ground...

Overall it was really enjoyable and an experience worthwhile. We finished the journey at past midnight and only got back after 1 o' clock in the morning!

Swimming the Freestyle

2008-09-25T02:37:00.009+08:00

After achieving my 1km mark by breaststroke, JD challenged me to swim with various styles- not just the easy one. And since then I've been trying to improve my stamina on freestyle. Somewhere during the third quarter of the 50m, I'll always feel pumped out and there begins my mental and physical challenge.

As I was swimming last Tuesday, I couldn't help think that relationship can sometimes be like swimming the freestyle. After some time you'll start to struggle. During these times, you just have to push yourself to press on and not give up. Keeping in mind that the effort and determination pays off at the end of the line.

Instead of looking how far more you have to go or focusing on how tired you are, pull your right arm in that windmill motion and as it has made that 360 degrees turn, tilt your head to the left. As you take in that breath desperately, remember to look up into the beautiful sky lighted up in tones of orange and yellow as the setting sun descends behind the clouds. Just as how faith looks up.

That way you focus on the Provider of strength and love to continue the striving. Because we know that God keeps His promise and He will not forsake us.

... Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. ~ Psalm 30:5

Saving the Banana

2008-09-25T01:52:00.012+08:00

Here are some interesting/weird gadgets I stumbled upon while accompanying dad in the Ace Hardware Retail Shop, Midvalley 2 Sundays ago.

#1 - The Flying Alarm Clock
'To turn off the alarm you'll have to get up, find it & return it to the base.'
This beats placing your alarm clock at different locations in your rooms every night to avoid getting up and snoozing it without realizing it. (Used to do that :P)

#2 - Nana Saver
'Keeps a cut banana fresh'
Dad and I found this weird and quite impractical. In order to save or keep fresh your banana, you cut half of it off... Huh?

Shoe Shop Craze!!

2008-09-24T11:59:00.012+08:00

Went to a Nose Warehouse Sale in Subang last Sunday. New shoes (but of previous seasons) were selling for only 10 bucks!

Together on the shoe shop craze mission were my other 2 housemates. Girls just love shopping! :D

Anyway, I finally got a purple heels. It was a pretty pair of heels and it was when I was wondering why nobody took it (there were lotsa people there!) that I realized one of the ribbon was missing from one side. Seeing that the detached ribbon was still attached to the other shoe, I thought to myself: Well, nothing an UHU super glue cannot fix! :) Bought it, fixed it and it's as good as brand new!

Happy Bday Keaw Yun!

2008-09-22T21:45:00.000+08:00

The Apartment

2008-09-21T23:07:00.004+08:00

Here's a nice cosy place to have a meal: The Apartment. The one JD brought me to was at The Curve, Damansara. They've got another francise at KLCC. Living up to its name, different sections of the place were decorated like different rooms in an apartment for instance a reading area, kitchen, bedroom and even a shower place! The place has a personal touch that gives the restaurant that homely feeling.

The food was not bad (although I thought the atmosphere scored more). JD ordered some chicken dish (can't remember its name) but he also preferred the lamb shank cooked in wine and some other ingredients. Great service though rather pricey.

Massive Camp!

2008-09-13T23:21:00.018+08:00

This year's camp was a held in the Penang Island at the Water Sport Center near Batu Ferringi. Been there when I was much younger and don't quite recall of the place. I thought it was a great break from the usual camp locations in Port Dickson and Pahang, though rather far. I liked Penang Island, pretty much reminds me of Kuching, maybe it's the set up of the towns and housing areas :)

Here's the Pondok Tsunami that serves as a memorial to the horrific disaster that occured in 2004. According to Val, a pondok was built on every site that was hit by the tsunami after that year.
The theme for the camp this year was 'R.E.A.C.H.' which was the abbrev. for 'Resist Evil And Call upon Him'. This photo was taken during one of Joshua Johnson's workshop. The best event for the camp was the kayaking I guess. Everyone totally enjoyed it! The coordination was slightly tricky but once both players figure it out, they can absolutely catch up the other group which was going in circles! haha...

On the first night after the 1st session, we had the chance to visit the famous Batu Ferringi night market. It was shopping time! Each of us (angels) was supposed to get something for our 'master' which has the first letter as his/ her name. Of course, we grabbed the chance to get some souveniers for our loved ones as well.

Isha was really sweet. She suprised me with this bookmark that directly translated my Christian name into Mandarin characters. Cool right? I thought the chinese artist was pretty good. Besides bookmarks, he also designs t-shirts. Customers can request for any available design and ask him to write the person's name on the t-shirt (RM100 for 3 t-shirts).
Last but definitely not to miss out was the Malam Mesra... the theme this year was 'Tribal'. Shall I present to you: the Feather tribe and the Jokers in Leaves tribe...

Here's Daniel (who reminded me very much of boy from The Ant Bully) and Aaron (one of the Jokers in Leaves tribe):

Besides all the activities, one of the memorable moments was sleeping beneath the stars on the 2nd night of camp. We actually camped out next to the beach. So, for the 1st one hour or so, we just slept on a mat laid upon the sand and gaze into the starry night. It was really beautiful... until strong wind gushed indicating approaching rain did we move into the hot and humid tent to find it leaking in the middle of the night!! Despite the hazzle, I thought the memory was worthwhile.

There goes my last Techflow camp...

Yummy Onion Kulcha

2008-09-13T22:13:00.006+08:00

Last week, we went to Midvalley. After waiting for a seat at Tony Roma's for more than 40 mins, we lost patience and ended up in this shop called 'Bombay Spice' in The Gardens.

There weren't many customers in the shop when we stepped in. Nevertheles,s the food was suprisingly pretty good. This onion kulcha was the best. It was really soft (unlike the naan you get in the mamak stalls) and tasted really good.

Here are the spinach and mutton curry called Bhuna Ghost.
Lastly, here's the tandoori chicken which looked pretty sad in amount and presentation. But overall I enjoyed the food. And the company, of course.

What an eerie feeling

2008-09-08T01:25:00.003+08:00

Last week as Siaw Yin drove us into the parking lot of the company where I last did my internship, I couldn't help but felt eerie. I didn't like the feeling of it, it was reminiscence of my 3 months of dreaded work I had to wake up to.

Still can't believe I only have 1 more semester to go before I grad. Sheesh... after seeing my seniors leave year after year, it's now finally my turn. Soon.

Life has to go on.

Masters maybe?

An additional to the family!

2008-09-07T17:25:00.018+08:00

May I present to you our long awaited puppy!!!!!

Bro and I think that Fiffy looks like a furball. Haha... she's absolutely adorable. When she sleeps she sleeps with her legs sprawled out and she sleeps like a log! Except when there's a sudden loud noise. I've tried pushing her from one spot to another when she's sleeping but she doesn't get up. What a pig!

This was how Fiffy looked like today after Mom and bro took her for a bath. So cute!! Wished I was there too...

Did you have to do all that?

2008-09-07T12:05:00.012+08:00

Each time I hear of all the murders, rapes and heartless things sick people do to others, I can't help but feel how corrupted humankind has become. But in the midst of this disaster, as much as it hurts, I see a hope of love in the human race.

Here are a few touching comic strips of the SzeChuan earthquake that happened in May 2008. Truly, the sacrifices of some were undeniably praise worthy as they gave up their lives for others.

Muadzam Trip

2008-08-14T11:56:00.021+08:00

The mission trip to Muadzam Shah campus 2 Saturdays ago was quite a disappointment compared to last year's warm response. Only around 10 people turned up for the gathering on Friday night and none for the Saturday games.

We're still in the midst of helping to set up TECHFLOW in the campus there but I guess situations are tougher in the state of Pahang. The Student Affairs Department there has been rather sticky and has denied for the past 4 years the legalisation of a Christian Fellowship.

Anyway here's some photos of the trip. Included in the photos is a new friend I met, Tuttowinisha (we call her Isha) from Botswana and also the auditorium of the campus.

According to Isha, Botswana is only slightly smaller than the size of Texas but only has a population of 1.5 million people all scattered over the country (even Malaysia, half its size has 25 million people!). Botswana is dominated but the Kalahari Desert, which covers up to 70% of the land in the country.

Their government provides scholarships (so Isha is under it too) and apparently Malaysia is looked upon for education in their country (hm...). Anyway, she also added that her government even provides money for jobless people in their country so they're able to start a business or something. Like wow!

So the question was: Where does their government get so much money? Botswana has most of its revenues generated from diamond mining. So.. curious, we asked her if there was blood diamonds in Botswana but she said no way. Hehe.. If anyone were to be caught in possesion of raw diamond, they could be arrested. And thank God they were only discovered after the British colonies Botswana she said.

Lastly, something else I learnt from Isha:
'Motswana' - a person from Botswana (singular)
'Batswana' - people from Botswana (plural)
'Setswana' - official language in Botswana, besides English.

Bumbu Bali

2008-08-13T23:28:00.007+08:00

Here's a nice restaurant to dine in. Situated in Puchong, Bumbu Bali offers a range of western and fusion dishes. The 1st time we were there, we ordered Nasi Campur Bumbubali and it was totally amazing!

Nasi Campur Bumbubali is a combination of Balinese grilled lemongrass prawns, fish, squid and chicken/beef, together with Sate lilit - it's sorta like the normal satay but instead of daging with satay stick it's otak-otak with lemongrass. So you can imagine how aromatic the food was. Totally yummy!

The portion of food is rather big so even it's a little more expensive, I think it's worth it. Last week I had this dish called Ayam Betutu where 2 huge pieces of chicken were served (think size of KFC x2). However, I might have to add that the place is quite hard to find- got there by GPS. The wonder of it!

Final Year Project title selection

2008-07-28T01:04:00.006+08:00

Last Thursday was an exciting day of our Final Year Project title selection.

The selection was done online. 2.00pm was the critical time where all the final year students had to depend on how fast they click (to the milliseconds) on the topic to get it. Man, was it crazy! At a click of the 'Refresh' button on my computer screen, 90% of the titles were taken. I WAS TOO LATE!! Arghh... I can never forget that moment when all the 'Available' turned into bloody red in colour 'Taken'. On top of it all were my friends rejoicing voices calling out "I got it! I got it!" Great... Real great...

With a panicky face, all I could utter to Siaw Yin sitting next to me was, "Siaw Yin, I didn't get it... I didn't get it" I clicked on a lecturer and topic I had no idea about and felt helpless.

Due to some system problem they uploaded some more topics about 5 minutes later and ... was I ABSOLUTELY relieved when they uploaded another title by Dr. Bashar!

A man can plan but it is God who decides in the end. And I thank Him for giving me the lecturer of my desire though the topic varied from what I had planned.

And then I'm reminded that having faith isn't so much about believing what you get but instead, it's believing that God will provide the best- and only the best for you, even though you may not see the reason behind it. God always sees the bigger picture.

HOUSE

2008-07-28T00:50:00.002+08:00

I've started watching HOUSE a month ago and am enjoying them. There's so much more technicality in HOUSE than SCRUBS. Hehe... but like them both nevertheless. Today I finally finished Season 4. The storyline of the last 2 episodes was totally unexpected! I can't believe Amber died... argh!! (Whoops, did I just ruin the story for you?) The both episodes were pretty 'heavy' and emotional, unlike the rest of the episodes where House just makes fun and sarcasm out of everything.

My Grown Up Bro

2008-07-28T00:11:00.004+08:00

Anyway, today when I called my brother to rant about House, I'm reminded again how my little bro is not so little anymore.. I asked him a few stupid questions like, "Boy, you know what's by pass?" and "You know what amber means ar?" And of course I got answers like, "You think I'm dumb is it?" Whoops. How did my little brother grow up so fast?? HAha.. Though he's like a head taller than I am now, he's always my little bro - young, innocent and clueless about so many things. That's when I come into play to explain them to him... oh well... I guess not anymore. Just gotta stop asking him all the do-you-know-what-this-means question :)

6 years younger than me, we manage to get along very well despite the age gap. Can't imagine how home would be without him there to chit chat and kacau.. hehe..

Whee.. 3 more weeks to home!

Last day of Internship

2008-07-05T23:09:00.014+08:00

When the last day of work finally arrived, I couldn't help but feel somewhat sad to leave - not work but my colleagues. Even though I wasn't as close to my colleagues here compared to the ones during my internship in KTA but was nevertheless heavy-hearted.

This photo on the left was taken during the farewell 'tea time' my department had for me. They made me make a farewell speech before we ate. So my utmost thanks went to Miss Azzuana (the lady in brown - the only lady engineer in my department) for teaching me... My greatest achievement there was able to be exposed to the designs especially the bridge design. Goodbye work... Hello again to lectures, quizzes and projects!

Movie Reviews

2008-06-30T23:05:00.021+08:00

KUNG FU PANDA
Absolutely adorable and funny! A must watch! Jack Black stars the voice of Po, the bungling panda who aspires to be a Kung Fu warrior. He's really cute and wobbly, a panda with a HUGE tummy and has a goose as a father who wants him to carry on the business in selling noodles. The whole cartoon-animated film is filled with Chinese elements, totally one of its kind. Po's master's name is called Master Oogway which is the direct translation for 'tortoise'. So funny. I remembered something he said that I felt was very meaningful: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift — that is why it is called the present.

DOOMSDAY
Pretty good for a B-rated movie I thought despite the pretty corny storyline (so some say). Very entertaining, action packed and fun though extremely gory (thank goodness they cut out a few scenes at the cinema) - think 10x Resident Evil or I am Legend. I was glued to the screen for the entire 2 hours +. I liked the drastic change of scenes - from gothic to the middle ages. Then there was an unexpected appearance of a sports car. Lotsa wild chasing throughout the entire movie.

GET SMART
Contrary to what most of my friends think, I thought the movie was over-rated. I thought the jokes were too common. The story line wasn't much. Agent 86 went on a mission searching for proof of a crime with 'Princess Diaries', finds it, was denied of it, accuses 'The Rock', and solves the case. Perhaps I'm just not a big fan of comedy movies.

MADE OF HONOR
Hmm... quite boring. Just another chick flick, another nothing out-of-the-ordinary love story. TOTALLY predictable. Though I did enjoy the scenic views of Scotland... breathtaking! After thought from the movie: It's true that girls make such a big hu-ha over romantic guys but then again... it doesn't mean everything if he's not the one.

The Parables

2008-06-30T19:46:00.001+08:00

Here's a book I've added in my shopping list. The Parables: Understanding the Stories Jesus Told by Simon J. Kistemaker.

Taken from real life, the parables conveyed spiritual truth and communicated the message of salvation in simple, everyday language.

The author starts off each parable by examining its historical setting and cultural implications, and then applying to the Christian life today. This historical and cultural background helps to sheds first century light on each parable for our twenty-first century eyes.

Indeed, a very useful book to understand in-depth the parable that Jesus told some 2 thousand years ago.

Planting the seed - Part II

2008-06-30T19:29:00.004+08:00

Writing the previous post reminded me of a person my colleague told us about in one of the bible studies.

There was this man who felt that God was calling him to pray for the sick. So obediently that's what he did. He prayed for a sick friend, but he died. And another person but also to no avail. Still feeling the calling of God in him, he decided to go to the hospital to pray for the sick people there. He continued praying relentlessly but no one got healed after he prayed.

People started making fun and discouraging him. Most people would have doubted God and given up - I know I would have. But he stood firm, and continued his ministry, having faith in God. It was not until the 1000th person he had prayed for did he started to heal people in Jesus' name. From then on, he had the power from God to heal sick people.

I guess running this race, we have to learn how to trust in what God tells us to do however dim the light may seem to be. Do our part and leave the rest into His mighty hands.

Planting the seed

2008-06-30T17:44:00.007+08:00

I've been trying to encourage/bug/pester my brother for years to read the start reading the bible and doing his devotion. Getting him to join me for devotional before bedtime when I'm back home can quite often be frustrating cause he's already sleepy by then and reluctant.

Few weeks back after his trip from Bali, I popped him with the question over the phone once again - "So... have you been reading the bible?"

'Er... no.' Would be his usual answer to the infamous-question-of-my-sis. But suprisingly for the first time in history, he said 'yes'.

Truly he has been reading the bible since the night he came back from Bali. Asked him how and why the change. He said he wasn't sure why but that night he just couldn't fall asleep. So he switched on the lights, picked up the bible and ODJ - Our Daily Journey and started reading.

I was of course joyous for my brother. And I knew God wanted to reaffirm me of His Words. How true and alive they are that it is only God who makes things grow, not us:

1 Corinthians 3:6-9

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.

Mark 4:26-29

He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come."

So let us not be discouraged when we don't see the result when we reaching out to others. Know that God will work in His own time.

Working Life So Far

2008-06-28T19:31:00.000+08:00

11 weeks at work has been interesting but quite often boring.

Half of the engineers in my department are doing BQ (Bill of Quantity) which is by right a QS's (Quantity Surveyors) job, not an engineer's. Weird. And it seems only our department in the entire company is doing that.

Anyway, I had the chance to do some BQ for bridges, staircase and box culverts during my training. Designs for box culverts. And also site visits that I've posted up.

Besides work, my colleagues are very helpful and always willing to teach me, especially my current supervisor.

The best part of training is the food I guess. Haha... I look forward to going lunch with my colleagues (mostly from the other department). But what's even better is the secretary of my department, Kak Mariah who frequently brings breakfast for a few of us. Yay! I love her fried meehoon and Bubu Chacha which tastes nothing like the ones made at home, hers tasted more like Ang Tau Jian Lut (Ais Kacang). Hehe... yummy.

Oh ya, I'm eligible for 6 day's leave during my training. I should have 9 day's leave in a year, but since I'm only working for 3 months, they're taking the purata. I have totally no idea how they came up with the figure 6 but I'm not complaining :D

1 more week

2008-06-27T23:51:00.005+08:00

Wow... I've only got a week of training left. Man, time sure does pass by fast. I'm glad to say I wouldn't miss work but I'll miss staying at Siaw Yin's place!

Besides the fact I don't have my own room, but it's really homey in the sense that there's a proper kitchen. Have to revert back to cooking in my pink Panasonic rice cooker once I get back hostel. Sigh. How sad. What's more, they hiked up the hostel fee from RM245 to RM280! Yeah... yeah... tell us about the subsidy that has been withdrawn from us...

Well besides that I'll miss staying with 3-months-housemates. It's really nice staying with them cause they're really helpful in every way and encouraging in my daily walk with my Lord, Jesus Christ. For instance, when I see them spending time in prayer, it encourages me to spend more time with God alone too. Or there's times when someone just picks up the guitar and we'll start singing praises to God. Really nice. I like. It's like being around them gives me the security that I have sisters that are watching my back at all times :)

Thanks so much Siaw Yin, Yim Ling, Helen and Wendy!

Site Visit to LEKAS

2008-06-18T23:03:00.003+08:00

Bridge building in progress (Installing reinforcements)

Bridge without abutments (abutments to be constructed by another company)

Vehicular box culvert (A tunnel for vehicles to pass through)

Rock crushing

A huge monitor lizard spotted in the river!

This was my 2nd visit to site during training. LEKAS - Lebuhraya Kajang Seremban is a project involves the construction of a new 44 km dual three lanes highway between Kajang and Seremban. The highway commences immediately south of Kajang ring road and will traverse through the south towards Seremban and will exit at the Federal Route 51 approximately 7km east of Seremban. The major urban centers and suburbs located within the vicinity of the Highway corridor are Semenyih, Bangi, Beranang, Pajam, Mantin and Nilai.

Some photos

2008-06-18T21:37:00.008+08:00

Here are some of the photos my brother took from the Nikon D40X:

Sunset in Bali

Bird eggs in mom's orchid pot

Raindrops in between the garden chair

A Woman's Heart

2008-05-26T23:31:00.002+08:00

CPR 1

2008-05-19T23:40:00.007+08:00

The committee planning retreat (we call it C.P.R. in short) was awesome! Had it in the TNB apartments in Port Dickson as usual - 9th May.

Rode on a banana boat for the 1st time! Really fun! The best part of it is was when the speedboat made a 90 degree turn made the banana boat flip and we all fell into the sea!

This new term's term will be focused on the verse Romans 12:2 which says: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I thought it was God planned - the fact that those who did came up with suggestion had the same thing on their mind: Change & transformation. Aiming to reevaluate Techflow and make the necessary changes.

With 4 new committees on board, it'll be a bigger and greater team to work with. Truly enjoyed this CPR, especially that it was a break from work and I got to spend fun time with my committee. Looking forward to the new semester with you guys!

Westport Site Visit - 2 May 08

2008-05-10T20:11:00.014+08:00

My 1st site visit during my training at HSS was to the Container Terminal 5 (CT5) - part of the ongoing expansion project of Westport wharves development in Pulau Indah. It is located at the northwestern shore of Pulau Indah, Klang.

1st pic: This is a completed terminal, CT4 which is just next to the construction site of CT5.

The operation of the quay cranes were really speedy, they took about 1 minute or less to actually shift a container from the ship to the vehicle on land. It was quite fun to watch. There's actually a guy on the top of each crane who controls this operation. Sukhvinder (the designer engineer for this project) told me that these people work for 12 hours straight without coming down, which means they practically have to eat and yeah, do their business up there. Fuh, crazy right? But of course, they're highly paid.

2nd pic : This black object is called the fender. No, not the guitar brand.. It acts as a cushioning device to protect both the ships and the wharf against any impact.

3rd pic: Prestressing of bars.

4th pic: Here you can see the foundation of the wharf, spun piles which were ready for the casting of beams. These piles were actually swaying from the blowing of the wind. After questioning Mr Raj, my boss, he explained that after the casting of the entire slab, the structure would be firm. It was constructed in that way to avoid rigidity to cater for the docking of ships.

5th pic: Presenting my colleagues and my boss. From the left, Sukhvinder, Kanesh, Mr. Wong, Mr. Raj (my boss) and I.

Oh NO!

2008-05-05T23:01:00.004+08:00

Ever been in that situation where something bad happened to you, you're so panicky and frantic and your mind is all over the place.... and you just have to call that one person and *PHEW* he just makes everything seem okay...

Well, for me that one person is my one and only dad (Yay!) Called my dad after I found out I lost my atm card. And being the always calm person he is, he listened to me rant about the problem (instead of making a big fuss out of it). By doing what he did, he made everything seemed less drastic and I felt more calm and less panicky.

Sigh... I love my dad. Now, to learn to have the patience like he does... haha...

Change of a Heart of Stone

2008-04-25T21:31:00.007+08:00

A week ago, Alwin's father passed away in a road accident. Upon being hit, he flew out of his big bike and landed on his head, causing tremor in the brain, resulting in internal bleeding. He was announced brain dead before he even reached the hospital.

He survived only a day and he was gone. Just like that. Death can be so sudden.

As I visited Awin in his house and paid our last respect to his father, he shared to us the night before his father's death. The doctor had already told them the slim chance he had of surviving.

He, his mum and brother stood around him and prayed for him. Putting aside the fact that he has always been strong headed in accepting the Lord, and even the fact he was brain dead, they shared to him about receiving salvation from Jesus again. As they asked him to call upon the name Jesus, they saw, miraculously, his chest heaved up for a few times.

"Take it as it is," told one of his church sister when Alwin said that he was waiting for a sign from God whether his father accepted the Lord. And I believe that that was the sign too.

My friend has always been praying for his dad's salvation and knew that it would take a miracle to change his dad's heart of stone. If this was God's plan and timing, he trusted in Him.

We're just passing by this earth after all.

I understood more after Uncle Abby told me that even though a person's body is physically 'dead' but so long as his heart is still beating, the soul is still alive and thus can still hear and make a decision.

By God's grace, Alwin's taking it pretty well, in the sense that he doesn't put the blame on God (which we tend to do when something bad happens to us). I thanked him too, for he has encouraged me so much with his unwavering faith in God's plans.

In His Small Little Ways

2008-04-20T18:57:00.010+08:00

Today was one of those I had to travel alone- this time to church. Taking the train was fine but travelling from the train station back to the house was a real hassle. One of the taxi drivers wanted to charge me 10 bucks. What a cut throat fare to pay for a journey of less than 2 km! The authorities should really set up a ticketing counter or make the taxi drivers in Serdang use the cab meters instead of charging us on a fixed fare.

Anyway, I resorted to wanting to take the bus to the Minlon building outside the residential area. I was still worried though, being apprehensive of walking to the house from the building. Alas KL has never been a really safe place.

As I stood outside the bus waiting for the missing conductor after 5 minutes, I saw a cab dropping off a passenger and thought I might as well take my chances. The old chinese uncle offered to send me back for 4 bucks! What a relieve that was!

It's really in all inconvenience that I find so much of God's hands working in my life and I really do thank Him, especially in this 3 months staying with Siaw Yin. He is so beautiful in His small little ways. Though trusting Him is never an easy thing to do, it really pays when you do :)

It was also a big surprise to bump into my old friend, Chio Pang at the Kajang station as I was on the way back. What a coincidence! It's always nice to catch up with an old friend.

--------------------------

The 1st week of work passed by pretty slowly. And as you would have guessed the weekend breezed by and tomorrow's Monday. Sigh. But this week should pass by faster since I've been assigned some designing. Learnt quite a lot on the bridges components in the past one week.

3 Months Attachment

2008-04-05T10:11:00.009+08:00

Yet again, another semester has ended. The 2nd semester always seem somewhat shorter with all the holidays in between. Nice.

So it's back to home sweet home for a week and then back to kl for my 3 months training. Definitely not too excited about it. Malas to get up so early every morning and work the whole day. Oh well. That's gonna be life in a year's time or so, so better get used to it..

Sometimes, I do wonder to myself whether it was the right decision to work here instead of home. But I guess I'll always conclude it is. That's the assurance you get when He's involved in your decision making. Our own understanding can be very misleading sometimes, given the fact that we only see the small picture. But when you lean on God who sees the whole picture... you just get that peace because you know that all things work for the good for those who love Him.

What's so funny?

2008-02-23T01:17:00.008+08:00

I think it's totally wonderful how God works, and sometimes I think it humours me even.

I was so excited when I saw Siaw Yin's letter from G&P in the pigeon hole this Wednesday. I have been hoping that she'll get a reply too so we could both go there.

When she didn't turn up for the evening class, I began to examine the letter which seemed rather thin compared to mine. *GASP* What if... it wasn't an acceptance letter after all? True enough after a call and the letter was opened, it was a reject letter.

I was initially disappointed, for the reason I was hoping to be able to work in a geotechnical department instead of a structural one again, but after a minute or two, I smiled and chuckled a bit. Why? Because I remembered that it was exactly what I prayed for: Lord, if Thy will is for me to work in KL, let me get a same company as Siaw Yin. THAT was what I prayed for and THAT was exactly what I got! (Before this, we were both accepted into another company.)

I was amazed at that moment, how precise God is when He answers our prayers. I chuckled thinking that I was actually sad for a while when indeed God has answered my prayers. How silly of me! But I guess that's how we are sometimes as mere human beings. We overlook the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. We look down into our own shadows, instead of looking up into the light.

Fabulous February

2008-02-22T22:16:00.025+08:00

The best time of the year has come and gone again... no, it's not the ang pows or the fireworks, but so much more priceless than that - my family!

I couldn't believe my family teamed up and made up stories about my sis who so called wasn't coming back for the chinese new year. Argh! Kena tipu! Haha... was I shocked yet overjoyed when she jumped out behind the door when I got back that night!

Anyway, it's just totally wonderful to have everyone home, sigh... and that only happens once a year. Makes a lot of difference with everyone around.

Oh, did I mention my sis graduated from the University of Queensland end of last year? Wished I was there too... but no thanks to my semester that started in December, I was stuck in Malaysia.

Merry Christmas to all!

2007-12-23T01:56:00.000+08:00

One of the little ones in the other shelter. Isn't he adorable? This shelter takes in baby orphans as well as abandoned old folks. Caroling.

What is faith without deeds?

2007-10-18T23:14:00.010+08:00

Today JD took leave and organized a trip to Stepping Stones. It has been a long while since we've last gone there.

The children are having their 1 week holiday now in conjuction with the Raya season. The little ones were napping when we reached their at 2pm. The bigger kids were playing board games while some were listening to music. There was a new PC at the shelter, well, a second hand one. But they're not allowed to install any games. Otherwise each of the 100 kids will be fighting for the PC.

Oh! There were 3 new puppies too. Their names were Joey, Patches and Letches (if that's how they spell it)! Hehe... totally adorable!! :D Dogs are real fun to play with as well as good companions for the kids.

Anyway, it's really quite sad when you hear some of their stories (the older orphans will tell you). Some of them after their mom passed away, are abandoned by their father after he remarries. How could a parent possibly be so selfish I wonder. Well, welcome to the real world, huh? Then some of the brothers and sisters have to be separated because there's too big a number of them. How sad... to not be able to grow up with your own siblings.

Really hope I'll be able to commit to going there on a regular basis starting from next semester. Give them tuition - their education level is really, really bad. Then again, saying is one thing and doing is another. So I'd rather just shut up and let my actions speak WHEN they are put into actions and IF (hopefully) they are put into actions.

Uncle Abraham's question still lingers in my mind, vividly. What is true worship and thanksgiving?

It isn't just by praising God during P&W (praise and worship) sessions or thanking Him in our daily prayers. The answer is commitment.

It struck me how true it is. With a grateful heart, we thank God after He has helped us or given us a miracle... and after that it's all forgotten for. Of course, I'm not implying that we shouldn't give thanks to God but think about it, there has got to be more that we can do just by uttering those words huh?

What is faith without deeds? Dead.

Helping the needy

2007-09-30T01:05:00.001+08:00

Something the Father William said during mass struck me today:
'People today are so goal-oriented...'

When I thought about it, I have to admit it's true. That's what we are told to do.
'1. Think about what your passions are.
2. Write your goals.
3. Write down the ways to achieve your goals.'

We become so caught up with our goals - goals that revolve around us and only us, so engrossed in what we want to achieve... that at the end of the day, we neglect the things around us - the people who are in need.

This Sunday's Gospel reading was on Luke 16:19-31 about a rich man who used to feast magnificently every day while neglecting the poor fellow outside his gates whose name was Lazarus. When both of them died, the rich man who was in his torment in Hades asked for help from Lazarus who was in heaven.

I guess to be too busy is really 'Being Under Satan's Yoke', meaning that being busy is one of the devil's way of distracting us from what's really important. His rather devious way and I might add extremely effective way of pulling us way from the truth.

Desperate measures by desperate students

2007-09-30T00:29:00.000+08:00

This was from my email, I found these really funny...

This is my favorite... haha...

Meeting Daddy

2007-09-25T00:10:00.000+08:00

Yay! I met my daddy yesterday!!

Spent the whole Monday walking around Bukit Bintang. (He walks real fast, tired trying to catch up with him. haha...)

Brought dad to KimGary for lunch but he didn't like it. Whoops. Hehe... This picture was taken in Teppanyaki, Sungei Wang.

I like my daddy. He's so patient with me :D

Trip to Pulau Redang

2007-07-26T19:04:00.001+08:00

The Redang trip we had was truly a memorable one. I came back a week before the semester started for the long-awaited holiday trip.

The beaches and sea were totally blue and clear (as you can see from the photos). I loved snorkelling - this's my first time actually. We saw so many fishes like zebra fish, clown fish and even a school of guppies... (used to have them in my aquarium, but sadly they never survive long - yikes!).

The marine park was the best of all. We were allowed to bring bread into the sea and feed the fishes. But after one or two encounters with fishes which sizes were about 15 to 20 inches, I freaked out and gave up. Haha...

It was really enjoyable. Just chilling with friends on the beach, crashing the waves, walking along the beach the 16 of us during the night... Aah... so totally relaxing. By the way, there weren't any roads on Pulau Redang.

The only down side to the trip was the journey back and forth I guess. It took us around 8 hours to get from the bus station opposite PWTC to Terrenganu, that's excluding the extra waiting time, 45 minutes of bus ride to the jetty and another 45 minutes on the ferry to the island. Eek!

A Bizarre Phenomenon - 22 June 2007

2007-06-22T23:15:00.002+08:00

A full ringed rainbow around the sun - cool, huh??
Don't know why people call that a bad omen. I think it's beautiful...

I want a doggy...

2007-06-15T23:13:00.000+08:00

Went to Pets Mart on the way back from work on Tuesday. Doggies are SO cute!! No doubt bout this hyper Golden Retriever that leaped for joy when he saw me. Hehe...

Bro and I have been bugging Dad quite endlessly for a dog. Unfortunate for us, to no avail. Sigh.

Aw man... I want a doggy... :(

Solace

2007-06-15T21:25:00.000+08:00

I run, and run
What am I running after?
Where am I really going?
Pursuing my dreams?

Now,
I stop dead at my tracks
I look around me
At the many things that surround me

So many directions in life
So many roads
So many decisions
So many worries

What am I really doing?
Where will I go?
What will the future bring?
What am I living for?

Despite the abundance in life
There’s something amidst
In the heart
A void that has to be filled

And as I kneel down and cover my face
I saw a pair of arms stretched out
And I remember Him
My Dad and King

I run into His embrace
And soak His garments with my tears
Give to me all your sorrow and worries
He says to me

I don’t want to rely on my own strength anymore
I really don’t want to
It’s so tiring
The burden so heavy

He says, “It’s alright, my child”
I feel my heart lighten
Then I felt the peace
The kind only my King can give to me

You are forever my solace
The one I can totally rely on
The one whom I know will love me
For eternity

And in You,
I find HOPE once again.

Love you, Lord.

Choosing to bury

2007-05-27T23:17:00.001+08:00

Contradicting myself, perhaps sometimes I should sometimes learn to bury feelings instead of letting them churn within my heart. It can get too painful that I'd rather sleep on it.

After all, joy comes in the morning right? Things always seem better the next morning. Well, at least most of the time.

Oversensitive me.

Pretty yellow daisy

2007-05-25T22:45:00.000+08:00

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"

Matthew 6:28-30

A Planimeter

2007-05-22T18:32:00.000+08:00

Learnt to measure catchment surface area with this equipment today. Interesting.

Site Visitation

2007-05-21T21:14:00.001+08:00

Going to the site had been the highlight at work last week. Louis (my supervisor) brought me to the project site at 7th Mile, some construction of a clinical training center. That was my 2nd time at a site, the 1st was at Jalan Song but that wasn't much cause they just started with the piling.

After some simple explanation accompanied by intervals of puffs of smoke, the resident engineer asked if I wanted to check out the 1st floor. Vibrantly (after a slight hesitation), I agreed. This was an adventure!

So, with my slightly oversized brown boots and white safety helmet tightly strapped on my head, I made my way around through the mud puddles, wood planks and wire mesh, and I arrived at the bottom of the stairs.

Looking up, I examined it. It was made of steel and only less than 2 feet wide. I thought to myself, 'OKAY... this is scary!' To support myself, I grabbed hold of the skinny arms of the scaffolder and made my way up but to end up in more mess- flooded slabs and all... It was also kinda scary to stand in open space on high ground (one slip and I could fall over the beam- Eek!) and but, gee! What did I expect? :P And coming down was even more thrilling than going up... (gulp) but I made it :) Hehe...

Haha... so that was part of my experience. Wasn't exactly pleasant but it was definitely worth it. Well, and also exciting (but I hope I don't have to do that again). It gave me a clearer idea what I've been studying in the office (and university) - piles, pilecaps, beams, columns, slabs and et cetera.

But you know what? The entire of that morning, I couldn't help myself but kept thinking: Construction sites are no place for women! Haha... I mean it IS true right?

I'm settling for office work in the future :D

Training

2007-05-06T21:12:00.000+08:00

Working in this consultation firm is actually my 1st official work in my life, besides the time I worked as a 'book wrapper' in a tuition school and as a waitress in a restaurant belonging to my aunt's friend.

Yeah, it's formal clothes and 'Good morning, mister'. Work started on Thursday after the 2 days public holiday last week.

I have to honest with you that my 1st day of work was ABSOLUTELY boring! I'm under the structural department. Currently under this shop lot project in Jalan Song. After the introduction, I was given the files and plans of the project. All I did was just looking at plans aimlessly. Most of them were pretty alien to me still since I just finished my 2nd year. And that's basically what I did the entire day. I think I yawned like for more than 20 times that day. I looked at my watch for almost every 10 minutes that I gave up, took off my watch and hid it in my bag :P

On the 2nd day, I met my supervisor who was absent the day before. He briefed me what he wants me to learn during this training and told me he'll bring me to the sites etc. Looking forward to getting out of the office. The talk with him was pretty inspiring in a way, cause after meeting him, I found myself driven to learn.

I'm excited to check out the new Sarawak Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) complex across the Sarawak River. Mr. Chai showed me the artist impression the other day and I thought the concept was really cool. The floor plan of the chamber is actually a horse shoe-print and... yeah, I shall update more after I've visited the place :D

7 more weeks till I fly back to the west...

SICK people

2007-04-26T09:37:00.000+08:00

Reading crimes about SICK people raping girls just make you SICK, don't they??

Star reported 2 rape cases today.

The 1st one was in Johor, of a not-very-smart girl who met up with this guy who has been sms-ing her for a month. He raped her on their 1st date.

The 2nd was in KTAR (Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman). After exam. Raining. Back way. Security guard. Stone. 20 times. Head. Unzipped. Push. Ran.

I mean, WHAT's WRONG with these people?? It is true that some human beings are quickly becoming very demeaning...

Savour the moment

2007-04-17T15:12:00.000+08:00

... when she suprises you with a cake even though she's 2 days earlier for your birthday.

... when he wakes up from his sleep and tells you he misses you a lot after being absent from home for 10 days then denying it the next morning (brothers and their ego).

... when he gives a wide grin and his face lights up when you plant a kiss on his cheek on Father's day.

... when you slurp in that favourite chicken soup of yours and taste the love it was cooked with, knowing that she made every effort to find all the ingredients needed for it.

... when he suprises you with a bouquet of flowers even though there wasn't any occasion.

... when you hug him for one last time before you leave for home...

Passover meal & Washing of feet

2007-04-04T20:26:00.000+08:00

Weeks ago, we (in CSG) tried to imitate the SEDER - the Passover meal the Israelites used to have during Passover.

Here's what fills the SEDER plate:

Hard boiled egg - symbol of the suffering and oppression in Egypt. Everything else in boiling water becomes soft or disintegrates. But an egg becomes hard, like the Israelites. The more it is boiled, the harder it becomes. An egg also symbolized New Life.

Roasted shankbone of lamb - reminds them there had to be blood sacrifice to save their lives.

Bitter herbs - horseredish - reminds them they were servants to slavery.

Greens - parsley, celery - symbol of coming o Spring which brings them hope.

Salt water - reminds them of the tears they cried in Egypt.

Haroset - nut, apple, cinnamon, wine mixture which has the appearance of straw in remembrance of the mortar used to build the Treasure Cities for Pharoah. It is symbolic of the hope of freedom that enabled their ancestors to withstand the bitterness of slavery.

Matzah - the unleavened bread that reminds them of the haste with which they left Egypt.

During this time, the entire extended family is to come together. They would go through the meal and retell the story in first person as if they had been one of the slaves freed from Pharoah's bondage, recalling stories like the the crossing of the red sea.

Before Jesus was betrayed, HE too initiated our Lord's Supper from this first Passover meal.

After that, we had the washing of the feet - John 13:1-17.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.
"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
[John 13:12-17]

I thought the entire meeting was really, really meaningful. Besides getting to experience what Passover meal was all about instead of just reading it, we also had the chance to learn how to humble ourselves like Jesus by washing each other's feet.

Thanks to the committee who came up these. God bless you guys, Melvin, Linda and Raph!

Who cares about exams?

2007-04-04T19:17:00.001+08:00

It's been awfully long since I've blogged.

So caught up in tests and exams that I can't remember when was the last time I had my quiet time like this. Reading my friends' blogs, I ponder to myself what happened to the passion I once had for writting. Priorities have changed I suppose.

Anyway, this evening it's just my bowl of noodles, my lappy and me. It feels good to just chill after hours of revising for Friday's exam. I feel so 'saturated' from all that studying and just dreading to return to my books. Sigh.

----

Reminiscing the past, Kiran and I were laughing of stories about how we used to get so stressed out during finals- the late nights, the countless cups of coffee or tea (Kiran calls it 'char' in punjab) and of course, getting high from caffeine. The totally crazy things we used to do like screaming in the wee hours of the morning because we couldn't figure a question out. Haha... To find out later we were not the only wacko ones. Other girls were doing it as well cause the resident actually warned us about it during one of the assemblies, noting that they may mistaken it for someone being molested or something. Haha...

Nevertheless, the years have passed and we're getting more and more immune to final exams (at least I am). That ought to be a good thing right? Since it also means less pimples on the face :P

We're studying together in the living room again after a pretty long time. I think the last time was 2 years ago when we were roommates back in Ilmu. I like. It beats studying alone, really. Besides the weather which makes it too stuffy to study in the room.

...Kiran's back from dinner and already hitting her books again. Should be doing that too soon. Ta-ta then...

2nd week of Lent

2007-03-04T02:57:00.000+08:00

2nd week of Lent

During homily today, Father Simon Yong reminded me one thing I've forgotten:
Whatever we have is a gift from God.

I guess knowing and believing in that fact helps us not to be so possesive about the things we have. And also that God gives and takes according to His perfect timing.

Year of the PIG

2007-03-04T02:23:00.000+08:00

Spending time with my cousins for the pasts 2 days made me miss my family even more.

Chinese New Year at home was much more meaningful this year. Sis had been home since a month ago and now that I'm back, it's a family reunion since she left to Brisbane last year! Yay!! I've got to admit that home without sis for the past 1 year each time I went back was somewhat different...

Apart from the new year visiting, each time we got home, we'll take every opportunity to spend time with each other. It was really enjoyable just chatting, teasing each other, playing UNO and cards especially 'Cho Tai Ti' (Big Brother).

For the saying that goes 'we don't know what we're missing until we lose it' I'll say it's very true. Distance in a way had taught us to appreciate each other more when we've taken each other pretty much for granted all those while.

Now that Sis and I are away from home, I think the thing we miss most is spending time with Edgar... Can't wait for next Chinese New Year for the next reunion...

Edgar The Sniper...

2007-01-22T18:13:00.000+08:00

More than just a crumpled piece of paper...

2007-01-22T02:11:00.000+08:00

As I was looking through my 'treasure box' of memories in the wee hours of the morning, I came across this yellow piece of crumpled paper. I recalled how I found this paper in one of the plastic bags stored in my drawer bout 2 1/2 years ago.

Written on this paper were items ranging from food to kitchen appliances, its familiar handwritting belonging by none other than my one and only dearest mum. It was a shopping list she had prepared upon my coming to university.

I sigh when I think of that transition when my parents let go of me. From a life dependant on my dad and mom to an independant life, how much time has passed by since then and how much I've grown. But above all, my mom's love for me.

Through the years, especially since I came over here, I begin to see the quiet little ways my mom show her love. She's always taking care of things, making sure that I'm alright and I have the things I need. How many times have I overlooked the sacrifices made?

I guess distance has taught me to be more expressive: acknowledging her sacrifices, and most importantly- telling her I love her in simple ways before we end our conversation on the phone and in sms-es.

Suddenly I miss home a lot. 4 more weeks.

A Delightful Evening with John Georgiadis

2007-01-14T09:54:00.000+08:00

Last weekend, I went to the most fun and entertaining MPO Viennese New Year's Concert in my three years here.

What started off as just any another MPO concert I've been to took us by suprise when John Georgiadis, the conductor turned around, picked up his violin and started to play with the orchestra.

John Georgiadis's interpretation of Johan Strauss II and Ivanovici's waltz pieces were wonderful. Included in the percussion that evening were unorthodox ‘musical instruments’ like hand-cranked ‘wind machine’ and whistles. These, and many others, generated some of the weird and wonderful sounds – from bird calls, to train whistles and champagne corks popping. The entire hall was filled with laughter as the conducter and percussionist did imitations of bird calls one after another. Even more, for the first time too did i hear the orchestra sing.

He also made us clap and sing 'Ha ha ha ha...' for a few pieces. Totally fun. An elderly couple in their 60's seated on my left hand side was entirely enthusiastic about the music. Sitting straight up on their seats and leaning forward, they clapped to the vibrant music with their hands in a BIG circular motion. So cute.

A detailed introduction to each piece and 2 encores, I'd say John Georgiadis sure is generous.

Definitely an evening well spent.

Oh, did I mention that the ticket only costed me ten bucks? :-D

Siaw Yin, I and Kelly

Nick Vujicic

2007-01-13T23:02:00.000+08:00

Must share this with you guys!!

When you think no problem could be bigger than yours, check this guy out and think again!

They played his video during CSG this week and it really inspired a lot of us. Without limbs, see how he survives doing his daily chores. He is even able to swim! Truly amazing. Download his short clip here.

Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Merry little Christmas

2007-01-05T16:52:00.000+08:00

Midvalley with Daddy

Times Square with Sis

Sunway Pyramid with Jeremy

Faith and Deeds

2006-10-07T13:42:00.000+08:00

James 2:14-18 NIV

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

To Stepping Stones

2006-10-07T11:29:00.003+08:00

It’s reluctance and laziness when it comes to having a two hours extra class on a Friday afternoon. The lengthy notes we had to take in surveying class increased student’s restlessness (then again, perhaps it’s just me).

I remember complaining to Siaw Yin about it. Nevertheless, contradicting to my behavior, I was also telling her it’ll all be such a small matter later that day when I see the kids. Life always takes on a different angle after a visit.

Stepping Stones is an orphanage situated at Seputeh (near Midvalley). Founded by Pastor Johnson who is still currently managing the shelter, Stepping Stones provides a sanctuary for about a hundred young, homeless and adorable kids.

Friday nights' their prayer time together when they sing praises to our Father, sharing of testimonies, bible reading and et cetera. Their sharing of testimonies touched me a lot. I guess it’s because I’m so used to hearing testimonies by adults in churches, telling how God has helped them financially, how a friend has come to know God recently…

This was different. One kid after another went in front to share a little of their life story- thanking God that she did not feel any ‘bad pain’ when she cut her finger in the kitchen, praising God that they did not suffer any major injury when skateboarding though they had a few cuts, expressing their grateful heart that they were finally accepted by a school after trying to do so for the third time…

It was then I realized: miracles don’t have to be big to be called a miracle. It’s the little things that don’t happen to us that we can be thankful of.

I feel ashamed of myself. To complain about lectures when I should be grateful that I even have the chance to be in a university. To grumble about how little I have when in fact God has provided me with everything I need. Sigh...

Anyway, it’s amazing how the shelter runs without any primary source of income. Yet, God's gracious hands have always been providing them. Without fail, an endless stream of people will call up asking if they need any help. It was quite a shocker to learn that the provisions bought yesterday (3 packets of 3kg milk powder, 12 tins of sardines, 20 packets of curry powder…) could actually only sustain the kids for ONLY a day.

Living by faith is definitely not an easy thing to do. But that’s what Pastor Johnson is doing. Having his life turned away from the habit of drinking by the power of prayer, he left everything he had 9 years ago, bought a place and started a shelter for children who have no place to go.

And that’s how the shelter has been running for 9 years. That’s how God has been working so faithfully for 9 years- always, always providing them their daily needs. That’s how God takes care of the orphans and answers prayers.

Indeed, it is not easy to have that sort of faith. To trust Him with your whole heart.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. ~James 1:27 NIV

Surveying

2006-10-07T10:47:00.001+08:00

My groupmates

Theodolite

Geology Lab

2006-10-07T10:03:00.001+08:00

Minerals and rocks

Metamorphic rocks

This was what we, future civil engineers, have been observing for the 1st part of this semester during geology lab. 16 minerals and 40 rocks to imprint in our heads. So fun. You gotta be kidding me.

Briefing by tutor

Two weeks ago, we had to conduct observations of rocks next to the Cheras Highway. Objective of field work: To observe and identify the nature and orientation of discontinuity in order to determine the slope stability. Despite having to be under the scorching sun from 11am to 1pm on a Saturday, it was definitely quite an experience. But I'm doubting I want to be doing that for life. Phew.

Do we turn or do we stay?

2006-08-19T01:34:00.001+08:00

I think one of the valuable lessons I learnt in a friendship is to stand by a friend. Many agree that we should be there for our friends through good times and bad times… but what about when we do not agree with something that they have done? Do we turn or do we stay?

Beginning of this year, a good friend of mine did not agree with one of the major decisions I made in my life. While she was lecturing me about it, I felt a little frustrated. Then came the sadness in my heart. For deep within me, I wished my friend would just stand by my decision regardless of whether she agrees with my decision. I guess as a result of her attitude, it has only caused me to close up to her in certain issues.

Just days after that, I had the chance of playing the role of the friend to another good friend who just got into a relationship to a guy she barely knew for less than a month. She knew I was totally against it. Then came the part where I was thinking on how I would response to her. Would I continue telling her about the mistake she has made and how much she would regret it in the future? Or do I tell her ‘As much as I disagree, I still respect your decision and will be there for you’?

And I came to a realization how God has used the incident before this to help me feel how it is like to be in her shoes. To want to need the support from a close friend even she felt and knew she was more in the wrong than right.

I guess sometimes all one needs is just a little bit more support.

Midsem

2006-08-12T15:37:00.001+08:00

In a blink of an eye it's the middle of the semester already. Time is passing me by fast but at the same time I'm trying to absorb every single day, living each day by itself instead of a whole and trying not to take life for granted.

Midsem also means exams. So, yeah... I have to resist myself from doing else things but to sit down at my table and hit the books.

I'm taking 16 credit hours this semester. My schedule's practically cramped from Monday till Wednesday, then I'm allowed to breathe on Thursday afternoon. Among the 5 subjects I'm taking are Differential Equation (DE), Geology, Surveying and Moral Studies I, besides Dynamics where we just go to class and copy slides- what a lecturer! (Shakes head)

Moral's just another LAN subject we have to take. Besides all the theory, each group is assigned a project (kerja amal) to be done in the university. Our group decided to collect used clothes for an orphanage. Other groups did things like car wash, washing the horse stable (yes, we have a horse stable in our uni) and campaign to save the environment and stuff.

Surveying on Thursday mornings are looked forward. We learnt levelling in the 1st fieldwork and then contouring on the 2nd one. It's pretty fun PROVIDED we have clouds above our heads, white clouds not black ones, mind you. Hehe... Otherwise, it's just sunburn and sweat. A preview of the environment I have to work in next time... O-oh! Hm... may just settle for office work, OR better still- switch to domestic engineering :)

For geology lab, we have the privilege of staring at 16 types minerals and 40 types of rocks and even more, to have to learn their characteristics and identify them (yeah, we're tested on that). PHEW!! Didn't know there's so many kinds!! Tell me about it, they all almost look the same.

Hmm... a sudden thought. If there was just one kind of everything, wouldn't it save us all the trouble to study them? But I immediately withdrew that concept. Oh no... imagine if all flowers were white and has long stems, imagine all the mountains had the same height and shape... what a dull looking and boring world we were to live in! Then there wouldn't be the need to go sightseeing and vacation. To look at the big picture, I'm glad God makes everything in different forms, colours and shapes... especially us. Differences make the world beautiful huh? Provided people accept and learn to live with them that is.

Constantly Watchful

2006-07-28T23:32:00.000+08:00

Many a times I ask myself the reasons of things happening in the world- wars, famine, diseases, the tsunami… But I guess it shows how little I am aware of God’s Word. For it is clearly stated in Matthew 24:4-14 the happenings that will take place in the future, or rather now already. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

Looking at my own life, I see that I am much caught up with my own things; my mind is always occupied, and I am often worrying. And yes, the Day will catch many like a trap, for we are so unprepared. Reading the parable of the ten girls increased whatever anxiety I had. Deep in my heart, I was crying out to God ‘Don’t let me among the five girls who did not take any extra oil to meet their bridegroom (Jesus)’. So complacent are we that we forget to prepare for the future.

I want to be prepared when I’m called to stand in front of Jesus to give an account of the things I’ve done in my life here on earth. I want to be spiritually filled when He comes- faithfully walking with Him and firm in my faith.

"Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Luke 21:36 NIV

P/S: Thanks to Uncle Abby, our Techflow advisor to help us study God’s Word on this matter.

When You Divorce Me, Carry Me Out in Your Arms

2006-07-15T00:32:00.001+08:00

This was a forwarded mail I wish to share with everyone else:

On my wedding day, I carried my wife in my arms. The bridal car stopped in front of our one-room flat. My buddies insisted that I carry her out of the car in my arms. So I carried her into our home. She was then plump and shy. I was a strong and happy bridegroom. This was the scene ten years ago.

The following days were as simple as a cup of pure water: we had a kid; I went into business and tried to make more money. When the assets were steadily increasing, the affection between us seemed to ebb. She was a civil servant. Every morning we left home together and got home almost at the same time. Our kid was studying in a boarding school. Our marriage life seemed to be enviably happy. But the calm life was more likely to be affected by unpredictable changes.

Dew came into my life.

It was a sunny day. I stood on a spacious balcony. Dew hugged me from behind. My heart once again was immersed in her stream of love. This was the apartment I bought for her. Dew said, you are the kind of man who best draws girls' eyeballs. Her words suddenly reminded me of my wife. When we were just married, my wife said, 'Men like you, once successful, will be very attractive to girls. '

Thinking of this, I became somewhat hesitant. I knew I had betrayed my wife. But I couldn't help doing so. I moved Dew's hands aside and said you go to select some furniture, O.K.? I've got something to do in the company. Obviously she was unhappy, because I had promised to do it together with her.

At the moment, the idea of divorce became clearer in my mind although it used to be something impossible to me. However, I found it rather difficult to tell my wife about it. No matter how mildly I mentioned it to her, she would be deeply hurt.

Honestly, she was a good wife. Every evening she was busy preparing dinner. I was sitting in front of the TV. The dinner was ready soon. Then we watched TV together. Or, I was lounging before the computer, visualizing Dew's body. This was the means of my entertainment.

One day I said to her in a slightly joking way, suppose we divorce, what will you do? She stared at me for a few seconds without a word. Apparently she believed that divorce was something too far away from her. I couldn't imagine how she would react once she got to know I was serious.

When my wife went to my office, Dew had just stepped out. Almost all the staff looked at my wife with a sympathetic eye and tried to hide something while talking to her. She seemed to have got some hint. She gently smiled at my subordinates. But I read some hurt in her eyes.
Once again, Dew said to me, 'He Ning, divorce her, O.K.? Then we live together.' I nodded. I knew I could not hesitate any more.

When my wife served the last dish, I held her hand. I've got something to tell you, I said. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes. Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth.

But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the serious topic calmly. She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why? I'm serious. I avoided her question. This so-called answer made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man!

That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer, because my heart had gone to Dew.

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. I felt a pain in my heart.

The woman who had been living ten years with me would become a stranger one day. But I could not take back what I had said. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer.

Late that night, I came back home after entertaining my clients. I saw her writing something at the table. I fall asleep fast. When I woke up, I found she was still there. I turned over and was asleep again.

She brought up her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but I was supposed to give her one month s time before divorce, and in the month's time we must live as normal a life as possible. Her reason was simple: our son would finish his summer vacation a month later and she didn't want him to see our marriage was broken.

She passed me the agreement she drafted, and then asked me, 'He Ning, do you still remember how I entered our bridal room on the wedding day?' This question suddenly brought back all those wonderful memories to me. I nodded and said, I remember. You carried me in your arms, she continued, 'so, I have a requirement, that is, you carry me out in your arms on the day when we divorce. From now to the end of this month, you must carry me out from the bedroom to the door every morning. I accepted with a smile.'

I knew she missed those sweet days and wished to end her marriage romantically. I told Dew about my wife s divorce conditions. She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she does, she has to face the result of divorce, she said scornfully. Her words more or less made me feel uncomfortable. My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. We even treated each other as a stranger.

So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly, 'Let us start from today, don't tell our son.' I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for a bus, I drove to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. We were so close that I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this intimate woman carefully for a long time. I found she was not young any more. There were some fine wrinkles on her face.

On the third day, she whispered to me, 'the outside garden is being demolished. Be careful when you pass there.'

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I seemed to feel that we were still an intimate couple and I was holding my sweetheart in my arms. The visualization of Dew became vague.

On the fifth and sixth day, she kept reminding me something, such as, where she put the ironed shirts, I should be careful while cooking, etc. I nodded. The sense of intimacy was even stronger.

I didn't tell Dew about this. I felt it was easier to carry her. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger. I said to her, It seems not difficult to carry you now. She was picking her dresses. I was waiting to carry her out. She tried quite a few but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, 'all my dresses have grown bigger.' I smiled.

But I suddenly realized that it was because she was thinner that I could carry her more easily, not because I was stronger. I knew she had buried all the bitterness in her heart. Again, I felt a sense of pain. Subconsciously I reached out a hand to touch her head.

Our son came in at the moment. Dad, it's time to carry mum out. He said. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had been an essential part of his life. She gestured our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face because I was afraid I would change my mind at the last minute.

I held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly, as if we came back to our wedding day. But her much lighter weight made me sad.

On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. She said, 'actually I hope you will hold me in your arms until we are old.' I held her tightly and said, 'both you and I didn't notice that our life lacked intimacy.'

I jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my decision. I walked upstairs. Dew opened the door. I said to her, 'Sorry, Dew, I won't divorce. I'm serious.'

She looked at me, astonished. The she touched my forehead. You got no fever. She said. I moved her hand off my head. 'Sorry, Dew', I said, 'I can only say sorry to you, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of life, not because we didn't love each other any more. Now I understand that since I carried her into the home, she gave birth to our child, I am supposed to hold her until I am old. So I have to say sorry to you.'

Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears.

I walked downstairs and drove to the office. When I passed the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet for my wife which was her favorite. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote,
"I'll carry you out every morning until we are old."

I almost (or perhaps did a little) cried after I read this story. It reminds me of how relationship between a couple, especially in a mariage, is not entirely based on feelings but rather on the commitment made on the day both made the solemn promise before our Heavenly Father... For instance, a man who feels unmarried does not in anyway make him unmarried. I think both friendship and intimacy must sustain through a relationship.

The story also reminded me that it takes both party to work the relationship out when things are going wrong. I mean the wife after been told bout his husband's affair could have just drowned herself in tears, bore a grudge and signed the paper. But she didn't. Instead she refused to let her marriage go and tried to fix it. Had she given up, the marriage would have ended.

Sigh.. let man shall not separate what God has joined.

Time

2006-05-17T03:28:00.001+08:00

Recalling of the past, one of the valuable lessons I learnt from Purpose Driven Life was the chapter on love. ‘The best way to let someone know you love them is to spend time with them’.

Two years ago, I was a person who was extremely ‘stingy’ with time. Time spent chatting with friends will later be regretted. I would be complaining, “Grr!! I could’ve used that time to study.” Spending time with people seemed to be a total waste.

Thus, the line took me aback. It opened my eyes to the importance of these ‘little chats’. And slowly, I began to REALLY understand that it is more than essential for us to spend time with the people we love.

I've always kept in mind this something that was shared by one of the graduates during my first few visits to Techflow meeting. I remember her words: “You know… after you graduate, when you look back at your campus life, the things you remember aren't how many papers you failed, the time you were scolded by your lecturer... but rather, the memories with your friends… ah, THAT stays with you and lasts a lifetime.”

And like the advertisement played on the radio station during the period before Mother’s Day, children were calling up their mom to wish her a HAPPY mother’s day and how much they love her, but to end the conversation telling her they can’t spend the weekend with her. (Hence, the ironic ‘HAPPY’.)

Sometimes, we get so busy that we forget what bonds loved ones together. Yes, you may shower the person with gifts and tell them how much you love them and so on. But all these can never measure up to quality time, can they?

It’s simple to tell that special someone you love them:
Make time for them.

Misleading

2006-05-17T03:20:00.001+08:00

Today was one of those days when the lecturer played a video instead of giving lecture. I walked in my Comparative Religion class at ten past noon and saw a movie depicting a scene in the middle-east. Then I realized it was a movie about Jesus of Nazareth. His first appearance in the show (at least since I came in) showed him walking towards Mary (not Jesus’ mother) and having intense eye contact with her. Raising an eyebrow, I thought ‘okay…’ Then the story went on telling that Jesus and Mary were actually in love. Not having been informed about this earlier by seniors, I would have probably stormed out of the lecture hall furious. Surprised I managed to keep my cool.

That was not the only ‘irrelevant and untrue’ scene of the movie. It went on to Joseph’s death which pretty much traumatized Jesus. There Jesus was in Joseph’s tomb, blaming God for his ‘father’s’ death and asking God to bring him back to life.

Then there was the addition miracle Jesus ‘did’ when he was young. Jesus throws the stones with his friends and they accidentally killed a bird. Toddler Jesus carried it back home crying to His mother and next thing we saw was Jesus turning around and the bird flew away. I mean where in the bible was THAT mentioned???

Fine, perhaps 70% of the storyline was in tune with the bible, but they HAD to show the 30% and leave out the most touching and important part – the passion. Then again, probably it was deliberately done. And you start to wonder why…

‘That’s the director’s interpretation of Christianity’ the lecturer uttered two hours later. My comments?

One thing I realized about this class is that the lecturer blurts out whatever he read. I mean come on, not everything you read is true, at least check with the religion’s main source not some book written by Tom. And, no, I’m not solely talking about Christianity but the other religions too. The movie is a perfect example! Where’s the respect for religion, man?

That brings to the topic of how influential the media is. You just need a movie like ‘Constantine’ then you’ll have friends coming up to you, asking questions like, “Eh, Angel Gabriel bad one ar?” People believe what they see on TV and in the cinema. The media has become a medium for the devil to deceive people. And sadly, it’s working, don’t you agree?

Ah! How True...

2006-05-07T18:12:00.001+08:00

The sweetest things in this world today have come to us through tears and pain. ~J.R Miller

What Hindrances Your Prayer?

2006-05-07T17:46:00.001+08:00

Disobedience [Deuteronomy 1:42-45]
Iniquity [Psalms 66:18, Isaiah 59:2]
Wrong Motives [Matthew 6:5-8]
Setting idols in heart [Ezekiel 14:3]
Ignoring family responsibilities [1 Peter 3:7]
Pride [Psalms 138:6]
Doubt [James 1:5-8]
Unforgiveness [Matthew 5:23-24; 18:21-35]

... But Rather, It's A Choice

2006-05-03T02:03:00.001+08:00

I'm reading this book Jeremy got for me 'When God Writes Your Love Story' by Eric and Leslie Ludy and I like this paragraph especially:

When Eric and I promised each other that we would stay for life- no matter if he loses his hair or get a belly, or if I burn all his meals- we knew we could keep this commitment, because it was based not on feelings but on a choice.

This chapter talks about the true love that is similar to the one God has for us. A higher kind of love that exceeds infatuation, gushy feelings and physical attraction... the sort of love that is solid enough to build a lifelong relationship upon, which does not involve feelings but rather the choices we make.

'Aw... it's okay. It's just a breakup. At least you know now what kind of guy's not for you.' We hear friends telling us about their the-more-boyfriends/girlfriends-you-get-the-better-you-know-what-you-want-in-your-future-partner theory all the time. In other words they're saying 'it's perfectly fine for you to have short term relationships'.

I guess if you really follow that 'love formula', you'll soon realize that it's anything but getting you onto the path to finding true love. For all you'll find is a series of heartbreak that instead prepares you NOT to marriage but a constant cycle of temporary relationships.

I'm not trying to tell you to ignore your feelings. Neither is there anything wrong with all the gushy feelings. It's just that we have to realize they don't last. I guess I learnt that that it's more of a choice rather than the feelings involved in a relationship. That love is selfless, unconditional and true love endures forever...

Perhaps that explains the divorce rate. The wife wakes up one day and realizes that she is no longer attracted to her hubby, says "I'm sorry darling, it's not that I want to but the feelings just ain't there anymore and I love you no more. Please do try and understand me... oh, by the way could you sign this and sent it to my lawyer? Thanks...", and walks out of the door.

Down to Malacca

2006-05-03T01:08:00.001+08:00

The long weekend had been a very eventful and meaningful one as I joined my cousins and their kids for a trip down Malacca. There were 14 of us, 8 adults and 6 kids.

We left Klang at around 6pm on Saturday evening and only managed to reach Ayer Keroh at around 11pm due to the heavy traffic on the highway (the jam was really bad!).

After mass on Sunday, we had Malacca’s Chicken Rice Ball for lunch. They’re these tasty, flavored rice balls of the size of a golf ball. After the scrumptious lunch, we visited The Mini Malaysia cum Mini ASEAN. We were just in time for the 2pm performance when we reached there. There were all sorts of dances from Malay traditional dances to Portuguese dances. It was pretty interesting (nothing more) but sadly there were only Malay dancers, even when it came to the Chinese dance. It was just so weird. Anyways, we had a chance to take one of those bullock cart rides after that. Now, that was an experience worthwhile! Besides that, the place is pretty much a bore- displays of different types of houses according to the various cultures. (Nothing beats Kuching's Cultural Village!!)

For the ‘supper’ that night, we almost had the chance to try out Malacca’s Satay Celup but too bad all the tables were occupied at that particular shop. Sigh… what a waste!

The next day, we went to the Maritime Museum. It’s a salvaged Portuguese ship, Flora De La Mar, which was turned into museum. Nothing much to see except for the ammunitions and ship model. It's quite poorly maintained.

---------------------------------------

Anyways, it was worth the time spent with my cousins whom I was never really close to. Rarely get to meet up with them due to the distance. Even more, I had a blast of a time playing with their kids (still can’t get used to being called ‘aunty’ hence still refer myself to as ‘che che’).

One of the kids, Ethel, aged five was especially attached to me (or more- I to her). She’s this angelic, oh-so-very-adorable little girl who holds up her hand each time I’m next to her to gesture me to hold her hand and wanting to sit next to me during every meal. I enjoy the times when I have to take care of her too, like zipping up her shoes, tying her hair, changing her and having to place food in her spoon or even spoon-feed her when she’s ‘not going anywhere with her food’

One of the memorable events was the second morning when I woke up to find a pair of cuddly hands around my left arm. My gosh! She's just so cute!

But sometimes she can be rather unresponsive in the sense that she does not give an answer when asked a question. There was a time when my cousin got so mad at her for not answering her when asked for the reason why she hit her sister. The incident pretty much reminded of how I used to make my parents mad- the exact same attitude I had when I was younger.

Besides that, it was the observation of another cousin who was taking care of her 8-month-old baby. The times when I reach back the inn, I was just desperate to bathe and get on bed while she was always busy with her baby.

She changes Ryan’s clothes, his diaper, feeding him the bottle of milk... Daddy takes over for a while as she bathes and then she’s on the bed with the Ryan who seems to be hyperactive but her, exhausted from the day’s activities. But she can’t sleep till he does…

Observing all these gave me a glimpse of what our moms went through to bring us up. All the sacrifices, the time, the patience, the tiredness… but they persevered anyway, knowing one day we’ll all grow up and bring them joy (seeing us grow up itself is probably a joy to them). It was that moment when I felt ashamed for the times I complained that she’s impatient, absurd and that I can put up no more with her naggings and scolding. It seemed that I was the more ungrateful and impatient one. For all that she has put up with me, could I not tolerate such ‘little mistakes’ she has made?

Overall, it has been an insightful trip; many valuable lessons have been learnt as well as the technique to handle a kid who’s about to throw up in the car, haha… miss the kids!! Sigh…