goodbye but I'll see you soon

Ooey I'm blogging from Thailand, Mae Sai! This morning, we had our 'last supper' with the Chos at 3:45am. We reached the airport at about 5am and we seriously did not expect anyone to turn up! But guess I was wrong again. Thank you Danielle, Sarah, Petra, Nicky, Dani, Chelsea, Grace, Cassandra & Abby! Goodbyes are never easy for me even though I've said them a thousand times.

On reaching back home, we were greeted by a bullfrong and yet another member of the geecko clan. I so need to catch up on sleep now...

The ride "Home"

Do you find yourself having a hard time sharing your faith with those around you? Especially love ones or friends you've known most of your life? Frankly, I don't mind going up to a stranger, handing out tracts or doing door to door. Maybe thats because I'll only see them once in my life but when it comes to my own friends it is just different! Maybe a little fear of rejection?

On this night after a great time out in town, Jesline and I headed back to take the MRT home. The crowd was just crazy due to F1! Somehow, we were moving along with the crowd and didn't take much notice of the train we boarded. Too happy to notice because we both got seats next to each other! As we rode along, we continued talking about everything under the sun.

I've been praying for this girl for the longest time ever since she came for my church children's camp when we were Pri 5! I didn't want it to be awkward so under my breath I was praying, " Lord, I'd like this opportunity please open the door for me if you want me to witness."

To cut the long story short, I got to share my life testimony with her! "Where do you think you'd go if you died tonight?", " Who is Jesus to you?", "Do you know about the judgement day?" We got into a really fruitful conversation and I could tell she has been searching. She told me she's been to a friend's church a couple of times but when her mom found out, she decided to stop. "I have this peace when I sometimes pray but I'm not sure who this God is." she said. It was amazing to see how God led me to answer her questions. Wish I could record everything we said down.

Finally... we found out that we were on the wrong train! By then we were somewhere at Woodlands already. I knew however that God planned this all out. When we went our separate ways, I knew that God was at work in her heart and I'm excited!

have you?

I think I've been to every corner of Spore! The past few days I've been to as far as Tampines or even on the other end to Ang Mo Kio Hub. I decided to take a look at the heartlands- tall blocks of flats, seeing bamboo laundry sticking out the windows, looking into the daily lives of true blue Singaporeans. As I walk the busy roads in this hot and humid weather- I found myself missing Mae Sai. What irony! When I'm there I miss this place! And when I'm here how come I'm missng there? So I wondered to myself ...what do i really miss then?

It's the people- the significant relationships that I really miss. I miss my kids back there and Mr. Aragon. I didn't miss Spore. I miss my friends. I miss my grandma. I miss the Chos. Although I am in constant contact with them via skype, email or msn, nothing beats seeing that person eye to eye and saying "Hi". What makes me rooted to Spore is the relationships and the shared memories I've built all my life with people here.

4 days left...

try delight

1) Clarke Quay was so magically lighted up tonight! The Spore river just glows. The bridges came alive in a wash of colors.

2) Went down to EAST Asia School of theology this morning. I got to speak to different people, from freshmen to those in their last year. They truely have rich ministry experiences. I can tell that EAST is like a big family, a very encouraging and caring environment. Will share in greater detail about this. Pray for this Thurs as I go to SBC that God will clearly direct my path.

3) Catch up with Gwyneth over tea.

spore fav. past time

High Tea with the Loongs

Dinner with the Fongs

Record breaking! 3 post in a day. I'm an extremely tired girl now. I need to abstain from food for just one day! Poor body.

message of life

Lois's confirmation of faith.

Seeing her love and serve God, knowing that He truely is the King of her life... makes me a proud sister. Lois has given me the permission to post her statement of faith here.

Her testimony

I was raised in a Christian family and accepted the LORD when I was a young child. At such a young age, one couldn’t really understand fully God’s powerful saving grace and His gift of salvation.

When I was twelve years of age, God called my family to serve Him in Thailand. It was then, that I truly found God. He was providing for us, guiding our steps in life, protecting us, and simply showing His unconditional love towards us. I felt Him just next to me, saying “Can’t you see my power?” I learnt that we need to depend on Him daily. God works in my life in many ways. Recently Dad and I did a study on God’s will for our lives. We considered how God wants to use us for His kingdom work, and how we can glorify Him.

On my birthday this year, I had a personal confirmation with God to stay in Him. That’s probably one of the best decisions, one can make in life, to grow more, and to understand Him better. Making Him my first love, and simply putting my trust in Him. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1

As I look back, I see God’s hand guiding me. He told my parents to take us out of public schooling, and only now, do I really know why. God wanted us to serve in Thailand. He’s been constantly answering my prayers, and I know that He has a plan for my life. He sees the bigger picture of everything, and I know that He is working in my life to make me a better person for His glory.

I am Sam

Though our surprise had some loopholes, I still hope you were somehow delighted! It's really not difficult to think of 17 nice things about this guy. The relationship we share is just like siblings. I've seen this boy turn into one fine young man. A man who loves the Lord. I thought the apple strudel 'cake' was just perfect haha. I love celebrating. Let's do it again!

under the oak tree

Joyce's mad hatters birthday picnic! As you can see, not many understood the theme they were suppose to come in but still we had great fun! Everyone brought something nice to share. From fish balls, fruits, cornflakes to games. It was a totally gorgeous day, the park was full of happy people and cute dogs.

For dinner, I met up with my MG GB officers. There were 9 adults, 4 children and 23 dishes! I had to roll myself home. All these breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper meet ups are becoming unhealthy! But I've only 1 week more so...

CPR!

Lois is a qualified first aider! She got her certificate today. With her I know I'm in good hands. So for the past few nights after her classes, I've been her dummy. If someone you know or someone near you suddenly collapses, stop breathing what would you do?

26 years ago...

... God created the most beautiful union. They pledged their lives to God and each other. Happy Anniversary, Dad and Mom! They are just as in love as they were ever since. I am so grateful for you both!

Little India

Don't you like his beard? I felt like a tourist today. Little India is literally one of the most colorful areas in Singapore. Btw, the second picture is of a red indian if you didn't figure that out- saw it on some wall of a bridge. I got to explore Mustafa. We walked and walked all the way to Arab St. Good exercise since eating so much here!

I am discovering.

Does it make sense?

I attended a VCF meeting at NUS last night. The speaker spoke on loving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. The greatest commandment is to love him! My greatest sin is probably failing to love Him with my all... on my journey back on the bus, I was in this whole reflective mood till I missed my stop!

I understood what loving God with my heart and soul meant. But what about the mind? We live in a world that is bombarded with lies, people really don't know how to think very well anymore. The message of God, the bible, the cross, salvation- is logcial. It is true, it is consistent, it is sound. But do you believe because someone says so or do you know it because it is real?

How can we expect the world to listen to us when our answers are shallow or worse- just plain wrong? God's word does have the answers! But I must devote my mind to discovering those answers. Thinking about a song I learnt back in sunday school. Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Here are the main things on my heart right now and if you could pray with and for me, you know how much I'd appreciate it.

It is my desire...

... to really study God's word for myself, to hide it in my heart and just love God more and more each day.

... to pray more regularly and earnestly for my friends- particularly those who are in uni or those seeking for the next step of what to do. Taking the effort to build on relationships.

... to be truely content being single at this moment, making the most of my singleness that I may serve God and His people as much as I can.

to a dear friend

Rachel, you've not just been a friend, but a godly example to me. Everyone who knows you have been touched and blessed by you in some way. I never cease to thank God for you, someone who shares the same values in life, someone who really understands my struggles because you go through them too.

Though we only get to meet once a year, you always take the effort to drop me emails. Updates about anything from hairstyles to what's God doing in your life. Such friends are hard to find. Your gentle manner and sweet speech are beautiful to watch. Your inner beauty shines out for all to see!

It's funny how your mom thanked me for being a friend to you and how my mom said the same things to you too! I treasure the moments we have had together. When will we get to meet again? I hope it'll be sooner than a year's time... I love you, for being you my friend.

refreshed

Our annual ATII conference was again a fanastic week packed with powerful, thought provoking messages. Having an unquenchable longing for God was my first lesson. It's not so much about "Do you know Jesus?" but rather, "Does Jesus know you?"

Secondly, I was particularly challenged by a message on being a giver and not a taker. There's something about giving which makes a difference! " It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35. Being a giver doesn't mean treating everyone to a fancy meal but rather it is an attitude of the heart. A giver wants to make others successful, joyfully giving of myself for them while a taker only has himself in mind. I was remained of what it is that truely counts in this life!

Lastly, I've learnt alot from Daniel's life. A man of character. He purposed beforehand in his heart to say 'no' to the temptations of this world. He had his convictions and he stood by them. If he could with God's help, hopefully so can I! He learned to trust the wisdom of God and not the lifelihood of man. He was promoted yet remained the same. Most importantly, he gave God all the glory. Now that's a man!

With all this information overload, it's time to apply it in life...that's the real challenge.

ok, God.

"O my Lord, I am not eloquent..."
"Who has made man's mouth? ...Have not I, the Lord? Now therefore, GO...and I will teach you."
Exodus 4:10-12

Sometimes, I wonder what God has in mind. I am not someone which loves public speaking, I usually rather let others open their mouth. But this season in life, God's been pushing my boundaries a little more and a little more. Feeling the bright lights overhead overwhelms me, but as I start sharing God's peace and confidence comes naturally... it is truely amazing! In this session, I shared about trusting God and resting in our faith. F-A-I-T-H (Forsaking All I Trust Him). Thank you for your prayers, for hidding me behind the cross.

My life is not my own.

closed

Off for our home school conference in Malaka, Malaysia. Will be back on Sunday. Please pray for safety on the roads and for my speaking session on thurs. Can't wait to see mom and dad! They would have a remedy to my horrible throat! Most likely just order me to stay in bed haha. oh before I go, I've got to tell you that I went to red dot musuem today!

he would be 89

The note kept in his wallet of the

deaths and birthdays of love ones.

Don't faint. This is NOT my grandpa.
It's his twin! And that's not a joke.

Jolly grandma

If my grandpa was alive, he'd be 89 today.

use me?

God gave me this verse on the morning that I spoke

" The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." 1 Thes 5:24

If you've met up with me lately, my cough has been becoming worse and worse till my face turns all red and I look like I'm crying or vomitting. I think I even have a six pack now because of using so much strength to breath and cough. So standing up to talk in front of these unknown faces, in this situation was like a huge mountain before me. I popped strepsils none stop, I drank a whole bottle of pi pa gao... nothing worked!

But when I stood up, I don't know how God did it.... for those moments up there sharing my heart out I did not cough a single time! No, not once! I even managed to sing a song that I actually thought of not doing so, afraid that I'd sound like some frog and people would just walk out on me haha.

I'm very thankful to God for giving me this opportunity.

like old friends always do

Jesline, Winson, Swee Soon, Freddy, Eugene, John & Grace

oh boy. Childhood to adulthood. Thanks to technology like facebook and friendsters we've kept in contact these past 8 years since leaving primary school. Pretty amazing huh. With a whole lot off studying overseas, this little bunch of us still got to meet up!

Don't ask me how we built this close knit. Somehow these few of us just clicked and the once in a year gatherings became friday night coffeestops. Dinner at Vivo- Marche, followed by Ben & Jerry's and finally the playground of the famous ivory heights!

Today:

Chrissy!

It's been quite a day! Firstly, I sat in a freezing cold cubicle all morning. Why do studying or taking exams have to have this thing with ice box rooms. Anyway, thanks for your sweet prayers my friends! The results would be posted to me soon. I can now breathe.

Caught WALL-E right after that. This movie has barely any dialogue spoken and almost no human figures appear on screen. Sure breaks new ground! I found it visually beguiling and inventive. Somehow it's not just a kid's show, it works on many levels. Btw, Wall-E -stands for "Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class". Just look at his puppy binocular eyes! He sure sweeps up thrash and hearts.

Later we had the perfect weather for a perfect outing, at Mount Faber Park. The view at Henderson waves was so lovely! The fresh air, greenary and blue skies brought me back to the land of the paddy fields. I don't know why, these things make me so happy. We had a picnic dinner at the park, a time of catching up and sharing with the other home schoolers.

The best part of my day was seeing Chrissy again and of course the other BL girls too! I can't wait to spend more time with them at our conference next week. And as for Chrissy, a whole month with us in Mae Sai!

Where are you?

"A woman's heart should be so close to God that a man should have to chase Him to find her." - C.S Lewis

it's about the company

I sat on a bus and passed many green lights today. More meet ups with good old buddies. I've known this girl since primary school! We went to holland v to just chill and catch up on each other's life. You know each time I get out of the house my pocket is so painful...

But guess what is worth more than money? People's time! For every dollar you spend, you can earn it back. But for every time lost, it can't be recovered... you simply can't turn back time and relive 'yesterday'.

Went to JE library later to continue my studies and it's unbelieveable that I could meet so many people there! Even some distant relative which I've not seen in years. Such a small world. 1 day more to my papers!

weekend, I love

I always find it a wee bit tricky to blog summaries of weekends spent with friends. When you think about it, inside jokes and knowing glances really do not translate well via internet.

On this Friday night, we spent it at Caleb's home playing taboo. I recommand this game to everyone, it's unspeakably fun! It encourages verbal creativity. Just don't make me be the one describing because I would probably get you all confused.

Got to catch "Money No Enough 2" on Sunday after church. I came out of the cinema with eyes swollen with billows of tears! Horrible. I never fail to watch Jack Neo's movies. It's close to the heart yet pokes fun at our uniquely Singaporean mentality. I found myself chuckling heartily several times throughout the movie too.

Thought about my old age. Wish that my partner and I can grow old together, still hold hands and help each other up the bus or irritate each other asking the same old questions over and over again because we both have become senile. If he dies, hopefully I'll die a week or two later. haha. Then again, the preacher at church was just talking about Jesus coming! Ready or not He is coming again soon. Maybe I won't have a chance to get married.