what a day

After church and a mind boggling game of Scrabble at Harto, I decided to drop in on Grandma. My initial plans was to go for a 3pm thai service at Glory Church but later found out that they no longer have it! Anyway, when I got to her place we spontaneously decided to go shopping for her facial powder. The funny thing was, she told me it could only be bought at Centerpoint! So all the way there we went and I found out that the shop was just Guardian! Guess she wanted to go back to a familiar place. I had a good Granny time! She makes me feel cool.

We went back to her place for dinner and I left soon after because I had a conference call with the family at 9pm. Happily, I boarded the bus which I thought was 105. I did not notice the route taken as there was this really weird guy next to me. I shall not write on that. When I did realise where I was, I quickly pressed the bell and got down! I had gotten on bus 185 and I landed up at Jurong West! Seriously need to wear spectacles now.

If you think that was it, let me tell you how silly I felt that day. Very very silly! I roamed round to find the right bus stop and was totally lost. Finally, after a call to Aaron who lived close by- I got to the correct stop to take the right bus! BUT.... when the bus came, I found out that I'd no more money in my EZ-link and not a single coin. I was so paiseh as I got off the bus. Had to walk to 'Shop and Save' to change my only 5 dollar bill left. Went back to the bus stop and waited for a bus that did not seem to want to appear! When I finally reached home safe and sound, it was 9:45pm! Heh... moral of the story...I need more sleep! Nights.

Room 122

Since quite a number of people have asked, here are some pictures of my room. I am very blessed to be able to stay with the Chos. They have so lovingly adopted me into their family. I'm forever grateful! Their ex study room is now converted to "Lydia Land" that's what Sam calls it. I've a great view from my window, it looks out over the Chinese Garden. At least some greenery to remind me of the mountains and paddies. Well, I hope you'd enjoy this little "tour"!

tomorrow will be a better day

I'll miss you when something really good happens, because you are the one I want to share it with. I'll miss you when something is troubling me, because you are the one who understands me so well. I'll miss you when I laugh and cry, because I know that you are the one that makes my laughter grow and my tears disappear.

I'll miss you all the time, but I'll miss you most when I lay awake at night and think of all the wonderful times we spent with each other; especially our nightly prayers, goodnight song and chats into the wee hours... for those were some of the best times of my life.

Once we left the airport to head home at around 630am, it was pouring cats and dogs. It felt like the Lord opened the windows of heaven and was crying with me. When I reached home, I found a letter left for me from Lu and she drew a picture of her and I holding an umbrella and it was raining...

IBLP

I find myself returning and feeding on the wonderful truths and comfort in His word. This seminar reminded me that my flesh and heart fail me. My greatest need and purpose is to stay close to Jesus. He is and gives exactly what I need for every moment. With my youth leadership retreat and this, that week was spiritually challenging yet essential/divinely arranged for the foundation of this new season in life. All I can say is, God knows just want I need to hear.

P/S: If you girls want more group pictures, just drop me an email and I'd be glad to send it to you!

Mae Sai to Mee Siam

Photo Credits: Caleb Yam

I saw my favourites. I ate my favourites, the very afternoon I got here. I don't know how you guys do it, but thanks for the incredible welcome back! Is there anything better than getting together and catching up? oh how happy I am for that memory and a million others.

At the moment

Hello world. Can't believe I've not updated this space. As you would have guessed, I've been super busy since the time I touched down in S'pore. It's nice to fill up my planner but I cannot deny how tired out I am. Should bring you through the events that has happened from our welcome 'mee-siam' party, youth leaders retreat to IBLP seminar, meeting up with good old friends and of course a photo or two of my new room. I really like it, you would too! Well, I promise to find some time to go about that. For now, I shall just leave you with this photo which leaves me feeling... (fill in the blank)

Last night in MS

Going to Bangkok to visit friends, and of course do some shopping before returning to S'pore on Saturday. Tonight during family time, Dad blessed me over this Psalm. We knelt in prayer and I felt God's presence. That, gave me rest. I think I'm finally coming to terms with leaving... not like the pain is gone but I know the joy of the Lord will be my strength!

Psalm 121

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—

where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—

the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

Amen.

Sweetest things in life (Part 3)

When I got home to open my gifts and read my cards, I cried yet AGAIN. "I'm sorry I've only this to give you." wrote Mee Chuu. They had given me the very best and most precious things they had. My heart broke.

I remembered the Bible story of the widow who gave her two small copper coins- her everything. Now I understand how God feels when we are willing to give Him all that we live on. The shoe box which held ultraman was decorated with butterflies to cover up all the holes in the box. It was beautiful to me...so beautiful. I got other stuff like a drawing block, hair clips, a handkerchief, a needle set, used notebooks. I sure had a good laugh too!

Well, I'll have more photos up on facebook. I shall end this birthday posts by thanking my Abba Father, for blessing me far and beyond! I first came to Thailand thinking I'm left without friends. How wrong was I!

My 21st (Part 2)

The first picture is of 'Ja ker' who wrote me a song and sang it in front of everyone. The song is titled "I promise to be praying for you" They presented many special items and even the director, Abraham, acted in a skit as the main actor. My first time to see this side of him. I had to fight back tears while saying my thank you speech, but in the end I still cried. I was so touched...how not to be right? Even now as I type this and recall the moments, I'm teary. When the birthday song was sung with my family and all the 100 children of Baan-nana in unison, it was a very heartwarming feeling.

Later, I got dressed in their traditional akha costume. As they sang me a song, I went around the circle and gave everyone a hug. In between sobs, I told some to study hard, others to love God with all their heart, watch out for each other and just be a good boy or girl. Many tied handmade friendship bands on my hand, I received 62 letters and cards. It was so special. It was the greatest ever birthday one could have!

A purple affair (Part 1)

My 21st, far beyond what I dreamt of. Yes, it's a superbly too early one but I've always wanted it with the kids at Baan-nana and so my wish came true! Thanks to my family, especially Lois, who was the master organiser. I knew that we'd have a session of party games for the kids, but I didn't know that they had a programme planned out for me too! You could call it my farewell party also. Boy, was I overwhelmed. Seeing them enjoying themselves as much as I did, filled my heart to the brim.

One and only

To my one and only sister, who has seen me through my good and bad days, who knows me in and out. I know I can trust you with all my embrrassing secrets and late night chats. You share my joy in happy moments and you wipe my tears when I'm sad. My very best friend in the whole wide world, you've blossomed into a fine young lady who truely loves Jesus. Your sweet enthusiasm for life shines through all you do, your sensitive and kind spirit has brought blessings to many hearts. Thank you for being my little Lulu, I love you so incredibly much! I'll miss you more than anything... I really will.

"Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:3-4

Dear friends

1st March 2006, I left on a journey with God. A journey that I could never have planned or even thought of. These 3 years has flown by so quickly! Looking back, I can only thank the Lord for all the tears and joy that came with serving Him. I have learnt so much about the Thai culture, the importance of relationships and most of all, God has taught me more about Himself and His love that could fill volumes of books.

As most of you already know, I am returning to Singapore on 13th June for studies at East Asia School of Theology. I am taking a two year degree programme (Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry). The enormity of it is beginning to hit me. I have fears, but God will be faithful in leading me as He has in the past. Though there will be a lot of adjustments, I know that it is God’s will for me to take this next step and He will work things out one day at a time as I seek to follow Him.

As I type this, the sounds of Lois playing her violin and the smell of a home cooked meal envelopes me. Leaving is hard. Change is hard. Things will undoubtedly never be the same again. But there comes a time to say goodbye, trusting that God will help me through it all. I’ve learnt that sometimes the hard things turn out to be the best things I have done. God has an amazing way of taking a situation I see as difficult and making it a huge blessing in my life.

I will terribly miss many things here, especially all my little friends who have brought great joy to my life! Their hugs and smiles, their beautiful voices lifted up in worship, their sincere love and faith will forever be etched deep down my heart. During my farewell party at Childlife, Ja Ker, a twelve year old girl wrote a special song for me and gave a powerful blessing upon me to return to Baan-nana (Childlife) to serve with greater might after my studies. God willing, this is my prayer too.

David says “I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.” (Psalm 57:2) God does the fulfilling, not me! Whatever God’s purpose is, I believe He will fulfill it and will give me the strength and courage for what lies ahead. I will have many new things to learn and new friends to make! I would greatly appreciate if you would be my prayer warrior! To those who have been all these times, thank you.

Attention pls.

My dearest sister has a blog now! How exciting huh. http://lulugreenshoots.blogspot.com/ She would be taking on the role of updating on life here. Indeed things are slowly changing.... no, actually it is rapidly!