granny's day out

I love taking care of my grandma, somehow I feel real mom-ish. Spent the first half of my day studying at her place. She kept feeding me with yakult, kit-kat and twisties! Guess I was dozing off ever so often so she thought those would boost me up but it just made me feel fat and lazy haha.

So for my date with grandma today, I brought her to Vivo City! My grandma's 84 years old and she's the coolest. Wish I had my camera with me. The air-conditioning there was pretty cold so I gave grandma my jacket and she looked absolutely cute in it! She even gave me fashion advice while we drank our cup of coffee. Such times with her are so important to me... Thank God for grandmas!

mama: let's go in this shop.

me: we went just now.

mama: how about this one?

me: also gone in already, you can't remeber arh?

mama: eh! you don't bluff me lah.

explorers exclusive

It's surprising how much joy you can derive out of a cheap bargain or just simply observing, listening, taking in the sights and sounds of the things that could be lost in years to come. If you know me, you know how much I love going places just for the fun of discovering things.

So after the past few days of coming down with gastric flu, I was up and about early this morning to meet my dear Joycie at SMU. From there, we walked and talked and ate and snapped and bought. We conqured waterloo street! Did you know that it was one of the earliest streets to be constructed in Singapore? I was admiring the pre-war and other old buildings which now houses different art groups. The architecture and landscape are just charming.

Joyce later had to head back to school and I spent the rest of my day at Borders. It felt so good to be surrounded by tons of books which spoke english. That was my Wednesday for you. Next edition of explorers exclusive, we'll head to the National Museum or Mustafa or Haji Lane or fort canning park or...or...or.

you tell me...

So after 9 months I finally got on the plane again. Only that this time, my parents weren't coming back with us. I was excited because I had this great plan, I thought it was so perfect! I only told 3 people which was a must to tell because of some situation about my arrival home.

I was told that the Naz youths were having a combine meeting with different BP churches the next day on Sat. I was going to surprise them big time! I was even thinking of how funny their looks would be when I suddenly pop out! There was no way I would fail in this mission.

There were no flight delays, we got our lugguage and got a warm welcome back to Singapore from the Chos. What a day it already had been. We drove in the morning from Mae Sai to Chiangrai. Then a flight to Bangkok and after waiting for hours, a flight home landing at 9:30pm. As we walked to the escalator to get the car from the carpark, I got the shock of my life!

Out of nowhere this crazy bunch of youths literally jumped out in front of me! SURPRISE! If I were any older I would have a heart attack, I should get some health insurance. Worst thing was everyone knew about it. Lois and even my parents back in Mae Sai! Can't exactly remember what went through my mind at that moment. I wanted to run but my legs were rooted to the ground, I wanted to cry but no tears flowed. All I could do was repeatedly say thank you... 2 words which had a million emotions in it. I was and still am lost for words.

Sadly, my plans were a big O failure. But there will always be a next time! Just you wait... I've still so many more great years with these wonderful friends, each a special gift to me. To mich, tan, kim, rhea, evan, tep, aaron, mick, daniel, zac, sam and gabs you guys are becoming way too sneaky! Better stop it arh give me a chance haha.

Went for supper. Some prata place at Bedok Simpang and as we ate it did not feel that 24hrs ago I was in a whole different world from them.

Please Pray...

Answers to prayer often come in unexpected ways. We pray, for instance, for a certain virtue; but God seldom delivers Christian virtues all wrapped in a package and ready for use. Rather He puts us in situations where by His help we can develop those virtues. -C. R. Findley

:: I'm suffering from a throat infection. Very swollen tonsils, thick jelly liquid coming off my nose. Being sick is no fun when there's so many things I need to get done. Let's hope I get better tomorrow.

:: Thank God there was one last seat left. Taking my GED (General Educational Development) back in Spore on 4th Sept. Time: 11:00am onwards. Needing good time management, continue to work hard and pray harder :)

:: 6th Sept as I speak to a youth group at Bukit Panjang Church for their mission week. May God hide me behind His cross, give me His words and just use me as He wills.

:: 11th Sept as I take one session to share on faith and fully trusting God at my home school conference in Melaka.

:: Got an email today to speak at MGS primary school during chapel time. I'm still thinking through it seeking the Lord, pray that He'll show me if I should take this on too.

:: For the Cho's grandmama, 1st stage cancer in the colon. Operation on 25th August. Pray for peace in her heart and full reliance on God as she awaits the day.

hello there.

"The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them." Psalm 34:7

Tell me what's the chance of survival when a 40 seater bus comes head-on with your mini van?

It was the most surreal 3 seconds of my life. "Is this it Lord?" was my only thought. We were making a turn around a bend when all of a sudden, out of nowhere this bus came right in the middle of our lane. It was so close, our driver hit the brakes, we swerved scrapping the sides of the bus and finally stopping when we crashed into a fence.

We all walked away from the accident without any injury. We were in a bit of shock, but that's about it. One villager came to me and said "you all are so lucky to be alive!" I was sure our van was finished but God protected us. This is a miracle! God is so merciful.

Before leaving for this trip, I asked the Lord to give me a life lesson he would like me to share, to challenge the different groups I'd be speaking with when I head back to Spore... God really speaks eh! Never, NEVER take life for granted. Each hour of each day is really in God's hand! Live your life for Him, you won't regret it!

off.

Road trip to Myanmar, Keng Tung. Pastor is here with the Yams. Little Elijah and I have become friends! Saw this fella only in his mama's tummy and now- pop he's so big already. ahh it's gonna be a nice break. I hope to do a whole lot of nothing. Just kick back, enjoy our friends, the scenery and forget the books!

Wherever you're going, have a wonderful trip!

more than words can say

Family time.

Worshiping the Lord together even through the distance.

Our extended family.

Well, today here in Thailand it is Queen Sirikit's birthday and it also doubles as Mother's Day! So we all got a nice day off from teaching. Last night The Queen had her annual birthday address and I estimated that it lasted for a good two hours or so! Of course, not a soul complains maybe except foreigners who missed out on some coverage of the Olympics haha.

I love my mummy! We surprised her this morning and she had no clue that we had something up our sleeves. Seriously, it's so hard to keep a secret from her so yesh, what a success! For lunch, P.Sam and P.Kul came by and guessed what they bought... the king of all fruits... DURIAN! oh me oh my, it was so good the best I've had since coming to Thailand.

If you don't know who my mummy is, you ought to get to know her! I can't thank God enough for her. She's my pillar of support in all I do, the one who makes anywhere we stay in become a lovely home, she enjoys inviting people from all walks of life for a homecook meal, she's someone so approachable. She knows my top secrets hoho! Like any other mother, she nags oh yah! but that just shows how much she loves and cares for me. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Proverbs 31:28

I know you're reading this mom, don't cry again.

going red n white

Majulah Singapura! Happy 43rd Birthday! I'm over here celebrating the Singapore spirit. Listening to 'Shine for Singapore'. Feeling patriotic! Still remember winning a competition during primary school singing "Singapura, OH Singapura, sunny island set in the sea..."

I've been missing 3 National Days so far. Suddenly Singapore's positive qualities spew forth. We are non-corrupt; a harmonious multi-racial society and we hold the first night F1 race in the world. I love Singapore! Though I always complain about the cost of living there, I love the food, the efficency, the cleanliness and the convenience. Somehow, it's still called home... where I know I belong.

On a different note, I received a wedding invitation. No more from uncles and aunties but my own friends! Suddenly, I feel like I'm all grown up haha. Also a reminder to me to continue believing God for His best. So to Young Lee, congratulations dear! Wish I could fly up to Korea for it. Any kind soul has free tickets to give away?

Going to watch the live telecast of NDP now.

number your days

' HUHhhhhhhhhh'

'orh-kayyyyyyyy'

Studies deserve a little more attention now. Won't blog unless I'm really itching bad to share something. I need a sponge-like brain, trying to take it all in but why am I so easily distracted! FOCUS, fong. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Colossians 3:23)

These 10 days till my Pastor's visit here on the 13th, I'm going to be a full-time mugger! So much up my mind, speaking at 2 youth services when I head back to Spore too. So little time, so much to do... but I know that God is faithful. Gonna refill my faith tank. I will do my part to study hard, prepare the messages from my heart and leave the rest to God and your prayers too! haha.

Toodles :)

it bites n doesn't let go

Death of baby tuh-keh. The ultimate video! But if you're a reptile lover -don't watch! This would be our 5th kill. Kids, if you're watching this don't try it at home!

Just found out that these are the godzilla of the gecko world. Definately not to be messed with. They multiply by the day! Their eggs are like mothballs and their droppings are thumb size huge, smelly like anything. Why must they always hide in our bathrooms! Really freaks me out.