Saturday, January 05, 2008
Friday, November 02, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
My Friends
This evening, I had this urge to write about a few friends who have been very dear to my heart. I have gone through different seasons of life with each one of them and we laughed and cried together. Most of them are far away, some geographical, and others, life phase. But each one of them, I truly thank God for because God shows his love through friends too.
CAMY
I first attended Camy’s cell under William Loke. She didn’t like me and I didn’t like her. Then I don’t know what happened, we became good friends. She is an auntie-killer who is very good with words. Camy is a Malaysian who prefers to be Singaporean, exact opposite of Joyce. We led cell together, did some pioneering, handled difficult Justin, left for Sec ministry together and locked ourselves in William Loke’s toilet to cry together over having to leave Pre-U ministry.
Before Camy left for Sydney, we had lunch at Macdonalds and she gave me a card and a handmade necklace. I appreciate Camy for being very real and yet God fearing, Her love for her people is an inspiration to me. I enjoyed the time we spent in Sydney shopping for food to BBQ at Bondi Beach, and each time she comes back, we really don’t have much time to catch up. Even a one hour lunch at a hawker centre is so precious to me.
Camy, I hope to have a bit more time with you when you come back next. Come my house, I will cook for you!
XIAOHUI
I first met Xiaohui on 17 April 1992 at my very first TGIF cell event at Horng Chiang’s house. I didn’t quite like her then and for a while, our paths didn’t cross even though we attended the same cell group. A few years later, she had become my cell leader trying to catch hold of me by meeting me for service and praying for me during our weekly sponsor-sponsee time. Our friendship grew over the years and this is one friend I thank God for as we survived a few roller-coaster rides in this journey. In March 2003, both of us traveled to Japan, ate the udon, tried the onsen, sat in my favourite ferris wheel at Odaiba and bought many things at the famous 100 yen shops. This July, my dear friend will be entering into a new phase of life.
Xiaohui, just like that email you sent me, may you become like that wife in Proverbs 31 who will bring many blessings to her husband. Love God at all times.
JOYCE
Joyce is a Malaysian from Penang. When I first knew her, she was in some TOUCH Youth STEP Program with Xiaohui. She came across as very sensible, genuine and humble. Somehow I felt drawn to her and I knew that there was just this quiet strength in her. She was there for me before I left for YOM trip and after I got back when I got into a slight depression. She was there for me when I was worried about financing studies and trusting God. I remembered once, I shared with Joyce that I struggled with tithing for a particular month cos I thought any cent put into my study fund would be good. She told me firmly but gently that I cannot rob God just for my own self-interest. Those words spoke into my heart. I gave and soon after, the Lord gave. It was a difficult time to see Joyce leave and migrate to Melbourne. I remember we cried the whole morning and afternoon after service at Octopus coffeeshop as it was known. It was simply heartbreaking to have to let go of a friend, someone close to my heart. Then we were in our very early 20s. Through these past years, I have met up with Joyce in Melbourne, picking strawberries and BBQ, flew to Bali to meet her and then went kayaking.
Joyce, you are a woman of strength to me. I will always remember that time we spent at your hotel room in The Pan Pacific. It was a good time sharing, crying, praying and just allowing God to release many pent-up emotions. I know God has a plan and destiny for your life. Joyce Chew is not dead. Even though we don’t have the chance to meet up as often as we would like to, I want you to know that you are one of those who have left a huge footprint in my life.
HAYLEY
I have known Hay for close to 19 years now. We met in Sec one as school girls and now she is a mother of one girl, and they live in Melbourne. We aren’t very alike in personality or interests. I seriously don’t know what drew up together as close friends. Again like the other friends who had to migrate, giving up and letting go was a painful process. In 2004, I packed my bag and stayed with Hay in Melbourne and we spent 10 wonderful days together cooking, shopping for groceries, chatting and joking about Jacque, some funny guy that she wanted to introduce to me then. I always joke that Dennis, her husband is like a school principal who is firm and strict and proper. I think she needs someone like this to discipline her J.
Having left the family physically, I know her heart is still very much at home here. Many things that she finds it hard to let go, and yet each time she walks past the custom immigration at the airport, she increases her pace and dashes in, just to fight those tears. Good bye is so hard to express. We experienced it together when she sent me off at Melbourne airport. It was a difficult check-in.
Hay, stand firm and you know, my prayer for you is one day you can let go of the burden because you know Jesus will carry for you. I really don’t know how or when you can see and know that deep in your heart. I pray it’ll be soon.
MICHELE
A love-hate relationship is what I would use to describe. I first got to know Michele at a church service in 1992 at Westin Ballroom. FCBC then had a special combined service there and Angie introduced me to this “Ah Lian” who always wore black with dark colored lipstick. We started off as superficial friends, then got into the same cell, she disappeared, then came back and joined me in Simon Poh’s cell. We quarreled and had difficulties working together because we both had this nature called “Headstrong”. We would be very close, and then we would clash, close, and then clash again. Perhaps it was normal for teenagers or early adults to discover one another this way. In 1996, we went to South Africa for a mission trip together and shared the same room. I think I freaked her out since then because till today, I hear her occasional complain about me keeping the hotel room very messy.
We talked about many things, including boys. We walked with each other, shared deeply, prayed together and saw each other through life transitions. We went to Batam for a retreat once and I was very blessed when Michele joined my family on a trip to Korea to attend my sister’s wedding. She wasn’t just any company. She was a Godsend.
Michele, I still keep those letters and cards you have written to me all these years. Letters in which you shared about your A level results, your day at work, your crushes, your fears…and most of all, letters and cards you wrote to encourage me. I thank God for you and I love you.
MICH CHOY
This is my kick-ass girlfriend. I know she will like to be called this way. Mich Choy, as she is known in my hp address book, used to have long straight frizzy hair that she had to straighten and then half tie it every morning. I met her in 2000 when I joined the vocalist. She was the best singer and I always wondered why her hairstyle looked so boring. This girl and I also went through and grew together when we decided that sometimes its better to kick ass than be hurt yourself. God used her to speak to me when she said.….”Forget about those who treat you like trash. Find the one who appreciates the gem in you!” However, most of the time, her lines are more nonsensical like “Play it cool, heartbreaker!”
We had this huge plan of visiting NZ together but finally we settled for Sydney. I would say we make a very compatible traveling pair because she hates to keep track of money but I like to hold the purse. I have zero road sense and little map reading skills while she can cut through the streets easily without much effort. Don’t think she is very English. Deep down, we both have our Chinese roots which were displayed when we went for dim sum the moment we landed in Sydney, dreamt about stir fried kai lan (she said we sound very PRC), and cooked fried vegetables at our lovely cottage.
Where church is involved, there may be certain beliefs or styles that we cannot agree. But there is an unspoken understanding that there is no need to reconcile the differences. I am sure she enjoys my wicked humour and doesn’t condemn me for it.
Mich, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. God is bringing us through this lesson and it is tough to not know what the next step is. One thing we must believe is that the Master’s overall plan for our lives is GOOD.
CAMY
I first attended Camy’s cell under William Loke. She didn’t like me and I didn’t like her. Then I don’t know what happened, we became good friends. She is an auntie-killer who is very good with words. Camy is a Malaysian who prefers to be Singaporean, exact opposite of Joyce. We led cell together, did some pioneering, handled difficult Justin, left for Sec ministry together and locked ourselves in William Loke’s toilet to cry together over having to leave Pre-U ministry.
Before Camy left for Sydney, we had lunch at Macdonalds and she gave me a card and a handmade necklace. I appreciate Camy for being very real and yet God fearing, Her love for her people is an inspiration to me. I enjoyed the time we spent in Sydney shopping for food to BBQ at Bondi Beach, and each time she comes back, we really don’t have much time to catch up. Even a one hour lunch at a hawker centre is so precious to me.
Camy, I hope to have a bit more time with you when you come back next. Come my house, I will cook for you!
XIAOHUI
I first met Xiaohui on 17 April 1992 at my very first TGIF cell event at Horng Chiang’s house. I didn’t quite like her then and for a while, our paths didn’t cross even though we attended the same cell group. A few years later, she had become my cell leader trying to catch hold of me by meeting me for service and praying for me during our weekly sponsor-sponsee time. Our friendship grew over the years and this is one friend I thank God for as we survived a few roller-coaster rides in this journey. In March 2003, both of us traveled to Japan, ate the udon, tried the onsen, sat in my favourite ferris wheel at Odaiba and bought many things at the famous 100 yen shops. This July, my dear friend will be entering into a new phase of life.
Xiaohui, just like that email you sent me, may you become like that wife in Proverbs 31 who will bring many blessings to her husband. Love God at all times.
JOYCE
Joyce is a Malaysian from Penang. When I first knew her, she was in some TOUCH Youth STEP Program with Xiaohui. She came across as very sensible, genuine and humble. Somehow I felt drawn to her and I knew that there was just this quiet strength in her. She was there for me before I left for YOM trip and after I got back when I got into a slight depression. She was there for me when I was worried about financing studies and trusting God. I remembered once, I shared with Joyce that I struggled with tithing for a particular month cos I thought any cent put into my study fund would be good. She told me firmly but gently that I cannot rob God just for my own self-interest. Those words spoke into my heart. I gave and soon after, the Lord gave. It was a difficult time to see Joyce leave and migrate to Melbourne. I remember we cried the whole morning and afternoon after service at Octopus coffeeshop as it was known. It was simply heartbreaking to have to let go of a friend, someone close to my heart. Then we were in our very early 20s. Through these past years, I have met up with Joyce in Melbourne, picking strawberries and BBQ, flew to Bali to meet her and then went kayaking.
Joyce, you are a woman of strength to me. I will always remember that time we spent at your hotel room in The Pan Pacific. It was a good time sharing, crying, praying and just allowing God to release many pent-up emotions. I know God has a plan and destiny for your life. Joyce Chew is not dead. Even though we don’t have the chance to meet up as often as we would like to, I want you to know that you are one of those who have left a huge footprint in my life.
HAYLEY
I have known Hay for close to 19 years now. We met in Sec one as school girls and now she is a mother of one girl, and they live in Melbourne. We aren’t very alike in personality or interests. I seriously don’t know what drew up together as close friends. Again like the other friends who had to migrate, giving up and letting go was a painful process. In 2004, I packed my bag and stayed with Hay in Melbourne and we spent 10 wonderful days together cooking, shopping for groceries, chatting and joking about Jacque, some funny guy that she wanted to introduce to me then. I always joke that Dennis, her husband is like a school principal who is firm and strict and proper. I think she needs someone like this to discipline her J.
Having left the family physically, I know her heart is still very much at home here. Many things that she finds it hard to let go, and yet each time she walks past the custom immigration at the airport, she increases her pace and dashes in, just to fight those tears. Good bye is so hard to express. We experienced it together when she sent me off at Melbourne airport. It was a difficult check-in.
Hay, stand firm and you know, my prayer for you is one day you can let go of the burden because you know Jesus will carry for you. I really don’t know how or when you can see and know that deep in your heart. I pray it’ll be soon.
MICHELE
A love-hate relationship is what I would use to describe. I first got to know Michele at a church service in 1992 at Westin Ballroom. FCBC then had a special combined service there and Angie introduced me to this “Ah Lian” who always wore black with dark colored lipstick. We started off as superficial friends, then got into the same cell, she disappeared, then came back and joined me in Simon Poh’s cell. We quarreled and had difficulties working together because we both had this nature called “Headstrong”. We would be very close, and then we would clash, close, and then clash again. Perhaps it was normal for teenagers or early adults to discover one another this way. In 1996, we went to South Africa for a mission trip together and shared the same room. I think I freaked her out since then because till today, I hear her occasional complain about me keeping the hotel room very messy.
We talked about many things, including boys. We walked with each other, shared deeply, prayed together and saw each other through life transitions. We went to Batam for a retreat once and I was very blessed when Michele joined my family on a trip to Korea to attend my sister’s wedding. She wasn’t just any company. She was a Godsend.
Michele, I still keep those letters and cards you have written to me all these years. Letters in which you shared about your A level results, your day at work, your crushes, your fears…and most of all, letters and cards you wrote to encourage me. I thank God for you and I love you.
MICH CHOY
This is my kick-ass girlfriend. I know she will like to be called this way. Mich Choy, as she is known in my hp address book, used to have long straight frizzy hair that she had to straighten and then half tie it every morning. I met her in 2000 when I joined the vocalist. She was the best singer and I always wondered why her hairstyle looked so boring. This girl and I also went through and grew together when we decided that sometimes its better to kick ass than be hurt yourself. God used her to speak to me when she said.….”Forget about those who treat you like trash. Find the one who appreciates the gem in you!” However, most of the time, her lines are more nonsensical like “Play it cool, heartbreaker!”
We had this huge plan of visiting NZ together but finally we settled for Sydney. I would say we make a very compatible traveling pair because she hates to keep track of money but I like to hold the purse. I have zero road sense and little map reading skills while she can cut through the streets easily without much effort. Don’t think she is very English. Deep down, we both have our Chinese roots which were displayed when we went for dim sum the moment we landed in Sydney, dreamt about stir fried kai lan (she said we sound very PRC), and cooked fried vegetables at our lovely cottage.
Where church is involved, there may be certain beliefs or styles that we cannot agree. But there is an unspoken understanding that there is no need to reconcile the differences. I am sure she enjoys my wicked humour and doesn’t condemn me for it.
Mich, trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. God is bringing us through this lesson and it is tough to not know what the next step is. One thing we must believe is that the Master’s overall plan for our lives is GOOD.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Check out my Slide Show!
Started this year with some travelling for work.
Started with Hong Kong where I managed to meet up with dear XX, to Philippines where I caught up with Ronald over dinner, and then to Korea, where I extended to stay with my sister at her place and spend some time together with them and my 10 month old niece, Jaimie. I thank God for the chance to be there.
Here are pictures from the Korea trip!
Started with Hong Kong where I managed to meet up with dear XX, to Philippines where I caught up with Ronald over dinner, and then to Korea, where I extended to stay with my sister at her place and spend some time together with them and my 10 month old niece, Jaimie. I thank God for the chance to be there.
Here are pictures from the Korea trip!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
American Idol - Season Three
This particular season where we saw Latoya London, Fantasia, Jasmine Trias and that Diana girl sing their hearts out was most memorable for I remember catching every show each week. But what most of you viewers fail to realise is that there was actually another contestant. And this blogpost is dedicated specially to him!
Friday, July 28, 2006
Shanghai Summer Camp 2006
Two weeks ago I was in Shanghai with hundred over others to be part of this summer camp where we introduced Service Learning to the local youths. The journey has made me realise that we Singaporeans are very blessed indeed. Not particularly in any areas such as our infrastructure, living or educational standards, but the awareness level of community work in our society. To a great extent in this nation, it is our willingness to give, for the bible says in Acts that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Interestingly when we were conducting a survey along the streets, trying to find out community needs, one of my Shanghainese counterpart kept insisting that we shouldn't be approaching people young, trendy or well dressed. He said we should be targeting the elderly, the poor and the needy instead.
When I had the chance, I explained that community service is not limited to just the poor, old and needy. Rich people have needs too. A rich family may have problems discipling their rebellious son or daughter and need social workers to mediate and help. In the same light, when I told people I would be going to Shanghai for community work and raised funds for it, some people wondered aloud, why Shanghai? Why the most developed city in China? Why not the small and poor province, just like the Lijiang and Mingying trip I did 2 years ago? Why not go feed the poor or reconstruct houses? All these are equally important but often deemed to be more noble and self sacrificial compared to city trips.
This Shanghai trip is a 3 year plan that aims to introduce Shanghainese youth to Service Learning (You serve the community, and you take home a learning that you can apply in your own life....knowledge, values that bring about a positive life long change).
This year, we introduced the whole concept to them, brought the awareness and equipped them with the skills. Next year, we train them to be leaders. Year 2008, each one of them will lead a group to go into the various parts of China to do all the "noble" stuff of building houses, teaching etc.
This concept is very powerful because it is, in Eric's words, a Strategic Empowerment. It is one thing for us Singaporeans to serve China. Yet it is another to see Chinese rising up to serve their own people! Due to the one child policy, most youths in Shanghai especially are self centered and do not "pour back" to their community but I believe this will change.
Personally I do not have a great passion or love for China or its people. But as we avail ourselves to be used by the Holy Spirit, He will equip us. Not just the skills, but also the heart of compassion. I won't say it was a fun or a nice trip but I have been blessed through this journey as I see the hands of God move in the difficulties I encountered.
I want to say "Thank you" to those who gave to make this trip possible in one way or another. My colleagues from Reader's Digest and my friends. Thank you!
Here are some pictures and the commentary begins.....
I was part of an advance party who left 2-3 days before the main group so that we could recce the place. This is the China Eastern flight that I took. Must admit that I got into a bit of a culture shock here.
Eric was conducting a structured experience to bring across the importance of reflection.
A typical group discussion. I learnt the importance of being intentional even in setting what questions to ask during facilitation.
A shot of the main auditorium at the Activity Centre where we gathered for most of our group activities.
My team of SG members and another shot of us having a local hotpot/steamboat. rather interesting style.
In Shanghai, you can get small watermelons similar to the size of a bowling ball. We bought like 5 of them for 10 yuan (equivalent to S$2). Chopped them up with a swiss army knife and had this watermelon party in my room...bathroom.
It's hard to run away from Singapore's favourite NTUC. Someone (Eric or Eugene???) pointed out to me that even at the hotel lift lobby, you see NTUC. I couldn't resist but to snap this picture.
City Lights - Ten times more impressive than Orchard Road! That was about half an hour cab ride away from where we stayed in the suburbs.
Finally during the last few days of the camp, we left the hotel to stay at a huge local school. My meal.
Pictures of our dorm plus the super cool bathrooms!!!
Interestingly when we were conducting a survey along the streets, trying to find out community needs, one of my Shanghainese counterpart kept insisting that we shouldn't be approaching people young, trendy or well dressed. He said we should be targeting the elderly, the poor and the needy instead.
When I had the chance, I explained that community service is not limited to just the poor, old and needy. Rich people have needs too. A rich family may have problems discipling their rebellious son or daughter and need social workers to mediate and help. In the same light, when I told people I would be going to Shanghai for community work and raised funds for it, some people wondered aloud, why Shanghai? Why the most developed city in China? Why not the small and poor province, just like the Lijiang and Mingying trip I did 2 years ago? Why not go feed the poor or reconstruct houses? All these are equally important but often deemed to be more noble and self sacrificial compared to city trips.
This Shanghai trip is a 3 year plan that aims to introduce Shanghainese youth to Service Learning (You serve the community, and you take home a learning that you can apply in your own life....knowledge, values that bring about a positive life long change).
This year, we introduced the whole concept to them, brought the awareness and equipped them with the skills. Next year, we train them to be leaders. Year 2008, each one of them will lead a group to go into the various parts of China to do all the "noble" stuff of building houses, teaching etc.
This concept is very powerful because it is, in Eric's words, a Strategic Empowerment. It is one thing for us Singaporeans to serve China. Yet it is another to see Chinese rising up to serve their own people! Due to the one child policy, most youths in Shanghai especially are self centered and do not "pour back" to their community but I believe this will change.
Personally I do not have a great passion or love for China or its people. But as we avail ourselves to be used by the Holy Spirit, He will equip us. Not just the skills, but also the heart of compassion. I won't say it was a fun or a nice trip but I have been blessed through this journey as I see the hands of God move in the difficulties I encountered.
I want to say "Thank you" to those who gave to make this trip possible in one way or another. My colleagues from Reader's Digest and my friends. Thank you!
Here are some pictures and the commentary begins.....
I was part of an advance party who left 2-3 days before the main group so that we could recce the place. This is the China Eastern flight that I took. Must admit that I got into a bit of a culture shock here.
Eric was conducting a structured experience to bring across the importance of reflection.
A typical group discussion. I learnt the importance of being intentional even in setting what questions to ask during facilitation.
A shot of the main auditorium at the Activity Centre where we gathered for most of our group activities.
My team of SG members and another shot of us having a local hotpot/steamboat. rather interesting style.
In Shanghai, you can get small watermelons similar to the size of a bowling ball. We bought like 5 of them for 10 yuan (equivalent to S$2). Chopped them up with a swiss army knife and had this watermelon party in my room...bathroom.
It's hard to run away from Singapore's favourite NTUC. Someone (Eric or Eugene???) pointed out to me that even at the hotel lift lobby, you see NTUC. I couldn't resist but to snap this picture.
City Lights - Ten times more impressive than Orchard Road! That was about half an hour cab ride away from where we stayed in the suburbs.
Finally during the last few days of the camp, we left the hotel to stay at a huge local school. My meal.
Pictures of our dorm plus the super cool bathrooms!!!
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