pls come back

By 7th July... Why does June seem to always be full of surprises? Mom's on the plane back to Spore for matters I can't disclose here. Keep her in your prayers... gracies.

Busy days ahead, I need a shooting star tonight.

Extreme weather

Gee, it's so hot and humid! I feel like I'm in an oven. It has been like this for the past 3 days. It's supposed to be the rainy season. Riding the bike in this heat is like a blow dryer, just shooting hot air on you. The fans at home isn't enough to assuage the extreme heat that we are experiencing. Is this one of the manifestations of global warming? oh air-conditioners! Where are you? The only place that I can hide in is TESCO, but everyone has the same idea! And there's no tables for me to study there. Boo, there's no escaping.

Wish there was a river near my place where I can dip my feet in. After my run today, I'm deserving a strawberry-lemonade smoothie! In fact, I'm gonna make more to chill it.

BNN news

We had a guest speaker from Indonesia today. 74 years old and still strong and on fire for the Lord. Amazing eh? She spoke on being faithful also in the little things. It's been about 10 months since we've started this regular sunday school programme for Baan-nana. I've been seeing the Lord's hand in each step of our way. The message that these children have a Heavenly Father who loves them enough to give His only Son for their sake brings great hope. You see, many of these precious kids are starved for affection.

Mee Tu, a 10 year old akha girl was asked what faith is to her. "To believe, listen and obey" was her answer. Many of the kids has taken up the challenge to pray in our meetings. Seeing them grow in their childlike faith is so wonderful! More than ever, they are the ones which bless me. While I was away in Chiangmai, my sundays felt like something was missing without them. At present, we've got an average attendance of 60 kids/youths.

The director who was baptised last dec is now attending a bible college down in Bangkok. His name has also been changed to Abraham. So apt! Those volunteers who were opposing our ministry has left and Charlie, an intern from the bible college my dad teaches at, holds a prayer meeting each week on tuesday. Mom is also starting to teach a group of youths chinese on fridays.

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:7 This is God's work. He will be faithful to complete it. On a closing note, just remember that we're nearing the end of the world pretty soon. You can tell by just looking at the chaos around us. You never know, maybe this could be our last year to reach these kids. Pray for us, that God will continue to pour forth His Holy Spirit, that we can reach souls for His kingdom.

The kids wants me to send their warmest regards to any of you which has visited. "P.Lydia, tell all the Phee Phees that we hope to meet again." Definitely! I said. It may not be on this earth, but one day in glorious heaven.

secret garden

Did this week fly by or what? We had a housewarming garden party on friday. Sitting around, enjoying good food and friends. These pictures are gonna be my inspiration for the next party! I've also been working on a little garden project. This is my retail therapy since there ain't no shopping here. Flowers just do it for me!

Dad has also been talking about a lil plot to grow veggies in our backyard. Onions, tomatoes, potatoes and lots of leafy greens. How fun is that! I can cook a meal by just digging into the garden.

Talk about cooking, I wonder what I should whip up for lulu and I tonight since mom and dad are on a date.

it's all good

Been 2 years since I had my last dentist appointment. To preface, I really don’t like dentists. They are wonderful people, but I rather know them outside the office. Have I ever mention that I hate the noises made by those shiny instruments? They make me cringe!

After procrastinating for many months, I dragged myself for a general check up today. Wasn’t sure how the Thai dentist would treat me. Like always, my imagination ran wild as I sat in the waiting room… ‘What if they found a bad tooth and not having the proper equipments decide to just yank it out? Tie my tooth to a door knob and slam the door!”

After an hour or so in the room with the whole dental odor and at least 3 tubes stuff into my mouth, I concluded the visit wasn’t that bad after all. Just that the most painful part was seeing my money in their hands!

On a different note, on this day last year a very special man was taken away from me. I sit here today thinking of him. I thought he was going to be healed but God decided to take him home. I carry a picture of him in my purse and at times it still feels like he’s in Spore waiting for us to go back to bring him and grandma out for dinner. I miss you grandpa.

first love

Being around people my age who are so passionate about God has been a spiritual refreshment! I've been blessed through this conference that I'd attended the past 3 days down in Chiangrai. It's nice to be pulled away from normal daily work and be studying His word. The messages have been simple but powerful- hits home.

Encouraged through our small group prayer times and challenged to really examine myself and make sure that I'm trusting Jesus in my everyday life! Am I daily taking up my cross and following Jesus? Denying my own desires, interest, preferences? I guess the answer should be revealed by what kind of life I live and who's orders and interest I follow. Nothing else on earth should capture my attention or fulfill my desires like Jesus should. "Whom have I in heaven but you? and besides You, I desire nothing on earth." Psalm 73:25.

Last night as I lie in bed reflecting on all that was taught, I asked God to reveal to me any discontent in my heart. His question came, one that only my heart could hear "Am I enough for you?" ah yesh... it has been the longings for a 'someone', the struggle with loneliness. It is every woman's dream to be loved by a devoted man. Will my time ever come? Don't want to sound like I'm complaining. But maybe I am. I try my best to fight against this feeling but sometimes my heart is weary.

As I expressed all these, God showed me that HE was that someone. I need to learn to delight in being a bride of Christ first. “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. O my God, my soul is in despair within me; therefore I remember You…” Psalms 42:5-6

I want to always answer Him, "yes, dear Father, you are more than enough for me..."

somewhere over the rainbow

Nelie came to visit

“One of the most spectacular light shows observed on earth”

My heart leaps when I see a rainbow in the sky. A kaleidoscope of colors mingles making me want to sing happy songs, hold out my hands wishing that I could catch it and put it in my pocket.

Today I saw a double rainbow right over my garden. I think it was God’s message of His double promises to me. He reminded me that it takes both rain and sunshine to make the lovely view. His assurance goes beyond the clouds I see, I’m standing on the promises of God! Oh I love that old hymn. Sang it since I was barely tall enough to see over the pews.

“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” Genesis 9:16

simply put, questions are good

01. What disappoints you?
When things don’t turn out the way I had expected? Like the size of the chicken chop differs from the menu haha. When people change so much till you don’t know who they are now. When you sincerely try to point something out to someone to change for his/her own good but it falls on deaf ears.

02. Where will you go if someone sponsors you a tour ticket?
I’ll go around the world in 80 days! I really want to visit Jerusalem, walk around in some cool robes or maybe Tibet to just get a peek of Mt.Everest! Then to Mongolia and Russia.

03. Who would be the person you would call if you were up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep?
Lulu. Cos it must be her that’s why I can’t sleep! But even if we one day have to live a distance away from each other, she’d be the one.

04. What are you afraid to lose the most?
Anything but FATS. Haha no, seriously my family and close circle of friends, people I’ve known for at least half of my life.

05. Where do you see yourself 10 years down the road?
God knows! Probably or hopefully married? It’s all in His hands.

06. What do you think is the most important thing in your life?
My Saviors love!

07. What kind of people do you dislike?
Those who are not sincere, irresponsible, with ulterior motives, who thinks that they are the only ones in this world, who try to be someone they aren’t. Still, I’d try my best to love them because everyone needs a friend right!

08. Any childhood memories you’ll like to re-live?
Let’s watch days of our lives again. Haha. I would like to wear back that white uniform and sit on my tiny desk back at primary school where I was the second tallest in class and all the guys were shorties or the times where kor and I would wait till mom goes to the market and we’d turn the kitchen upside down thinking we’re yen can cook- so can you!

09. What makes you happy?
There’s like 1001 things that make me happy; Like
- opening parcels mailed to me with handwritten letters
- reading a really good book
- getting things organized
- talking and seeing my dearies on skype
- just being comfortable
- cooking a meal for the family
… the list goes on

10. If you win $1 million, what would you do?
Bring my family for a great vacation, attend kor’s graduation in Melbourne, return my parents all the money they’ve spent/given me, send my sister for the courses she wants to take in the States -pay for her education, buy a nice cottage by the river, build orphanages for all homeless kids, I think my money would have ran out wayyy before then.

11. What is your favorite place to be?
Home is where the heart is. A specific spot would be the swing I painted facing our garden. In general, I love cafes the smell of freshly baked cookies and coffee…oomph!

12. Given the chance, what special power would you like to have?
1. teleport
2. become invisible

13. What jewelry do you wear all the time?
Hmm. My purity ring which has even grown roots on my finger.

14. What is something unbelievable about you?
I sleep with a jacket on in the summer without even a fan on so don’t picture me in winter!

Oh boy there’s another 6 questions I’m suppose to answer but… this will be it. Taking up too much time! I need to get back to planning lessons and marking papers. oh and I’m tagging my dog and geecko.

in the morning at eight

As promised, a couple of pictures of how we spent lois's day. invited her for a garden party in the morning- cakes, scrambled eggs, dragon fruits and a treasure hunt. Like any girl, shopping and a stop at the hair salon would make her day so that's what we did next! For dinner we had another party with friends to end the day...

still our little girl

homemade with love

So lulu had to work to get her present. Nothing comes free right?

If you can figure just one of these out, you're mighty smart!

1. the dustbin

2. face a book titled 'mana'

3. washing machine

4. my soft toy hippo

5. her violin

Mr Aragon. I think I've not talked about him yet! He's like an ah-beng. All the dogs in our neighbourhood are afraid of him.But unknown to them this 'da ge' is afraid to even turn off his room lights at night! When thunders roar, mr. becomes a weak mutt!

Dinner party- feasting the Thai way

more than a sister

My sister reminds me a lot about myself and I guess that makes our relationship so much more special in a way. I don’t know her every thought, of course. But it’s nice to have someone like you, but younger than you, living in the same house. Well, today is her birthday! 14 years on this earth! So this post is totally dedicated to her.

You’re my sister, my very best friend
I know we’d be best sisters till the end
Even if we get into a big fight
We’ll get through it, because we’re just too tight
You’re a better friend than anyone could be
You always find a way to make me smile when I’m feeling blue
And even when I’m mad at you, you make me look like a fool
As I try to keep myself from laughing as I’m scolding you
No one ever gets me the way you do,

and it’s all because you’re just you
Know that I’m always here for you, just come to me, and I’ll listen
I want to see you grow up and achieve great things for God’s glory
I believe in you, you’re very talented my dear, so beautiful inside out
To me a blessing you will always be

I love you my little lulu

(Pictures of today will have to wait for another day)

here comes june

It’s been raining the past few days and as much as I love sleeping in and seeing raindrops, I want to enjoy the outdoors, the green grass! Today, I attended mom’s cell group. It was a blessing to hear from older woman and the conversations left me with more things to ponder over. Sometimes I wonder if I think too much. But God has been revealing things to me allowing me to be even more appreciative for His love for me.

So I’ve been having quite a bit of “me” time lately, since coming back from Chiangmai. It’s nice to enjoy your own company. Really. I’ve been stuck with a book this entire week. Movies can never allow you to smell, taste or really see everything you should in one specific moment. But somehow, a good book has that power to create that sort of magic. I can’t wait to return to Singapore and stock up on books. I’ve got a whole list written down already.

Tomorrow we’d be having an English camp at school! It’s nice to see all my little friends again. This new semester, I’ve got 2 P6, 2 P5 classes plus 1 P4 class. I could already pick out the rascals on the first day but it’s those kids that make life more interesting! Okay, this is random but I just fried up a housefly with a tennis look-a-like swapper. I feel bad. But I can’t help it! It kept flying into my face.

Lulu’s birthday is this Saturday! I need some brilliant ideas. Anyone?

splendid last meal

The night was perfect

I will miss you so dearly Sha!

Somehow, she made my days at school seem brighter.

Levi the greatest comedian and Jason the artist

Sadly, not the whole class was there to celebrate.

What I'd remember best will be the friendships made.

Organic cous-cous

Mango yogurt mousses... heavenly!