Nepalese Fellowship

Before I even left for my first trip to Nepal in 2005, I was encouraged to help out at the new Nepalese Fellowship started by Kelvin. Not that I could speak a single word or anything like that, but just the little things like preparing the av at the room they gather (since that's the one thing I sort of know best). During those time some of us also lead in the P & W.

It's been more than 3 years and 2 trips there now. It is through this fellowship I have build many strong friendships with the other volunteers. Other than the weekly meetings, we organised many other activities such as camps, volleyball games and of course Christmas Party!

We gather at the end of every year to give thanks for all that has happened and to appreciate all the volunteers for their tiredless efforts.

Mamma Mia!

I watched my very first musical today...finally!

I have always always wanted to watch musicals. Missed Cats, Fame, Sound of Music, Beauty & The Beast. Ok, I've missed everything because I gave myself too many excuses and I guess I'm just stingy.

This Christmas, I received a present to watch it. Thanks to Debbie's fiance, Hoi Hian. Apparently I'm sparing him the "torture". He couldn't stand the movie. Haha. I guess it appeals to the girls more. I enjoyed the movie so much I got my Mum to watch it with her friends as well.

I think it is not right to compare the musical and the movie. They are different in many ways. I like Meryl Streep (coz she's a brilliant actress - sings pretty well too) and Pierce Brosnan (not so much his singing but hey, how many men look that good at that age!). Plus there were magnificent sceneries in the movie.

I really like the musical. There is something about watching things live, and listening to music live. I like all the dances very much - don't really know how to describe but the way they join in to a dance, break into acting... I think it is really cool and I would think it takes lots of practice and very good choreograph. My only critique was the instruments seems to be louder than the vocals most of the time.

Since this is my 1st musical, I watched very carefully all the scene change, props movement and stage space used. Useful to see how the pros do it. I thought the backdrop was simple but very well used. Only 2 pieces that are both 2 sided on wheels. They also had 4 cyclorama screens that covers the entire stage from the audience. One was used for the opening and closing like how stage curtains are traditionally used on stage - but moves much faster! They fully utilised all cyclorama after the interval. Before the musical started, we also managed to take a quick peek at the orchestra pit. Percussion and drums were in the aquarium and everyone had their own 16 channel mixer...;-p. !

It was also very interesting how they had small tvs with a video shot of the conductor! I wondered if those on the stage could really see it. Oh, the conductor is a really really cool guy. He can conduct the orchestra, play the keyboard, cue and stand up and take photograph - ALL that during the musical! Haha.

Towards the end, people began to stand and dance. During the finale, if you don't stand, you will only be watching butts. I dunno, do people do this at musical? Is it polite? What if there is someone REALLY short behind. But I guess everyone was just too "high" to bother. It was also at the finale they lowered the lighting on stage to allow the lights to shine into the audience. Probably to give that disco effect. It was a unforgettable experience for me. :)

Dew Media Appreciation 2008

We had this year's at Friendster. The theme was 70's. So we had some fun trivia, best dressed and a little dance session at the end. It was a great time to just laugh at ourselves and EAT! Our emcee for the night was Cindy. She did an amazing job making laugh so much as well. We had so much fun we totally forgot to take a group photo! :-p

Overflowed muffins

When I was shopping for stuff to bake last week, I found this powder mix for muffins. Thought it looked easy so I bought it.

I tried baking it. I thought the recipe required excessive amount of oil, so I cut. Rebel, just can't follow the exact recipe. Haha.

Since I'm also kind of lazy to do 2 rounds and the cups looked large enough, I put quite a lot in each cup. So as I watched it baked in the oven, it ....overflowed! Hahaha. But I guess muffins should always be a little overflow from the cups right?!

;-p

Baking!

My mother finally bought a new oven. Our last oven died almost 20 years ago… as a result of over baking mooncakes! We did bake a few items last few years when my aunt was moving. We get to "jaga" her oven briefly.

But now, we have our own, it is almost a month old now. Couldn’t find time at all last month! So I attempted to bake today. Lemon cake. Inspired after reading Petrina's blog. But something went wrong… A friend said it’s probably because I didn’t “follow the science” of baking. Yah, I was kinda rushing and kinda don’t have the recipe in front of me when I started (what was I thinking!) when I finally got the the webpage, I kinda started a bit. I threw everything into the mixer at one go! Haha. So the end results was... it kinda crumbles easily. Maybe the eggs were a little smaller than they are supposed to be (tak cukup?) I don’t know! Some commented the icing on top was a little too sweet as well. Hmmm, looks like I need to cut down on the original recipe. People are more conscious about health anyway. Less sugar is the way to go!

Should I attempt again? I have some oranges in the fridge. Hehe.

Concert Marathon

DUMC just ended a 4 weeks concert marathon. It was almost crazy with the amount of time we spent in DC. We started off with Loud Concert, MBS Anniversary Charity Concert, JC Graduation and WorshipGod Conference.

It was a great finale for us at the WorshipGod Conference. We were really blessed by all that Glenn shared. ;-)

Andrew & Jessey

One and Only. That was the theme of Andrew and Jessey's wedding. 1st November 2008. Andrew is probably my cell leader for the longest time. I think. Haha. Congrats you two. It's truly a memorable wedding. I've never been to a wedding with so many speeches. :-p

But if there is a best speech award, it should go to Andrew's dad, Uncle Beng Keat. Absolutely special and funny! We wouldn't mind if he continued on for many more minutes... Of course there is also Elliott's (one of Andrew's 3 bestman) "touching" performance of "Beautiful Boy" for Andrew. Good thing Elliott mentioned Charlotte his girlfriend else others might think he had a secret crush on Andrew.

3rd trip to KK

13th - 15th October 2008
I can't believe that this is the 3rd time I'm in KK and I'm not diving nor climbing Mt KK.

But then again, I'm not paying, so I shouldn't complain. Company was having a seminar there and my boss couldn't be away from office so I get to go. We had very good turn up *THANK GOD* because this was the 1st time the invitation was done by our representative in KK and not us. :-D It was a very pleasant trip since we get to stay at Pacific Sutera...not exactly the Magellan but it's good. Really enjoy walking by the harbour at night too!

KK is a great place. The place just gives you the holiday mood even though we had to work. We ate A LOT of seafood....till a number of us kept visiting the toilets.

My highlight was more of meeting Eric and Janet. Didn't really plan to meet them since I wasn't sure if work would take up all my time. Only informed them when I was sure. Was very nice to see Janet again since she returned to KK. So much as happened since. Missed having her around at sangati. Eric is one person I managed to meet everytime I'm in KK. :-D So nice to come take us out for a drink. There is always much to chat about since we are in the same ministry but in different church.

By now, I sort of can imagine where is town and Sutera Harbour (since I go there all 3 times - never stayed there till this time though) and Pastor Philip's clinic. It is on that road that leads us to town. ;-p *DUH*

Connor Wong

21st Aug 1968 –14th Sep 2008 on earth

14th Sep 2008 - Eternity in Heaven

At the wake service, friends shared that Connor was a supportive brother, cell member, a great listener, a faithful worker, admirable cell leader and someone who loves Israel very much.

Connor also serves at the Nepali fellowship. He is driver to many Nepalese every Saturday. He was still driving them early last month after going through the treatments that made him weaker than usual.

One thing that was not mentioned during the wake yesterday was Connor has a great passion in mission as well. He has been to a few 3rd world countries. Last year April, we went with a team to Nepal. When asked why did he wanted to go, he answered that he would really like to go so that he will be able to relate better to Nepalese brothers when he fetches them. During our trip, we had to climb hills (mountain actually). And when we made our way to the village at the top, he went on to play volleyball with the villagers. I also remembered when Connor shares about Christ, he can go on and on and on (amazing for someone who don’t usually talks a lot).

Connor, you remembered the 4 ladies waited for you when you were chatting with that youth outside the school? You talked soOoooOo long, Kelvin also disappeared already. Yah, sorry you had to endure the ngam-cham-ness of the 4 of us. You are quite fun to tease. ;-p Btw, I still owe you the video… surely you have a better version now. Heaven’s editors are more pro.

Last year Connor was diagnosed again. He went through chemo and radio this year. Just 2 months ago, I had to go through a surgery. A group of friends gathered to pray for us and had communion. We claimed healing. During my stay in hospital, he visited me everyday because he was going through radio at the same hospital.

Barely a month ago, our friends gathered again to celebrate my birthday and thanks giving for God’s grace upon me as I went through the surgery. We had steamboat at Kelvin & Steph’s place and Connor brought food… food that he can’t eat himself but for us.

Connor is now healed. He has a new body that does not require those uncomfortable tubes and oxygen masks.

See you soon, Connor. Can imagine you rejoicing and jumping with joy.

More on Connor.

Dew Crew Merdeka Retreat 2008

31st Aug – 2nd Sep 2008
It was time for dew crew to take a break again. This time, we went to Ipoh. To make the trip more interesting, we had treasure hunt with a little “amazing race” element. The motor hunt was organised by Richard from Engage Enterprise. The journey was from Dream Centre, then around Section 13, Damansara Jaya, multiple rest area, Bidor before ending in Ipoh. I thought it was amazing how Richard and his wife May (who was pregnant!) managed the cover the whole thing on their own.

Other than the usual hunt for signboards, we had to purchase some “treasures”, take photographs of certain signboards and challenge to complete. Though the challenges were not stuff like bungee jumping but we had fun. We had puzzles, anagrams, morse code, brains working pretty hard! We started around 2pm and only arrived around 8.30pm (much later than we were supposed to). That was probably the “longest” journey to Ipoh for all of us. Thank you to Richard and May for waiting for us so many times!

Of course in the end, it was pretty much a fattening trip. We ate sooooo much! We were eating from restaurant to restaurant! Really… we did.

Turning Mid-Late 20s

Went for a jazz session at Alexis with the old DU Leo’s – Jeng & Kai Lyn, Chiang, Annette and Mei Peng on Saturday. Was fun. Think I haven’t been out this late for a long time. Have to admit I got pretty sleepy by 11pm. Think it’s the age. But was just good to hang out.

Yesterday, Debbie help gathered a group of friends from Sangati and Crew to celebrate my birthday. It is also sort of a thanks giving dinner for the fact that I live to celebrate it. We had steam-boat and messed up Kelvin and Steph’s home. Thank you so much all! I feel very loved. ;-p

I’ve been very blessed to have my family and so many friends around me to support and pray for me for the past month. Can’t imagine going through all these without you all. Today, Nicole took me for a Korean dinner. Had a good chat about jobs and careers. Since she is currently working for a pharmaceutical company, she blessed me with some scar-removing-patches, whatever you call that! ;-D

Whose Dream?

August Rally production is our yearly event where there will be a stage presentation done on the 1st weekend of August. This year it was 1st-3rd August 2008. Whose Dream is a drama, simple but relevant to many. It is unbelievable that there are still people alive today who thinks that the only good occupations out there are doctor, lawyer and accountant. I thought the drama could at least put a little light bulb on such.

After going through so many rehearsals, as the crew, we can pretty much repeat the actor’s line. It was weird when people laugh during the production as we were kind of immune to the jokes.

I thank God that I am well enough to be part of this.

The Pantai Experience

1st July 2008

When I was wheeled into the operating theatre, there was just peace in my heart. I thought that was pretty amazing, I mean I have never been operated on before and the fact that I don't know what on earth they are going to remove, so... it was weird that I was just so calm. Surely that was the peace of God. ;-D

I didn't feel a thing during the procedure. It was just like only a minute ago they pengsan me with the "oxygen" before I woke up...no dreams or nightmare.

The doctor and my mum (who went for a similar surgery 15 years ago) did inform me that I will experience sore throat and pain when drinking and eating. But thank God, I didn't experience any of that. Hehe. Because God is watching over me!

I’m so blessed to have so many many people prayed for me. Really appreciate all your prayers, gifts, flowers, balloons, and wishes.

Praise God that the growth is benign. The surgeon only removed half of the thyroid.
Therefore I do not need to be on pills at all... I’m recovering really fast too!

God healed me.
;-D

Am I ready?

My surgeon did say that I can be admitted today before the surgery tomorrow. But I thought I better go work and complete whatever is pending and hand over everything else in hand. It’s all so sudden. Don’t want others to pick up my mess.

Some cell members and crew drop by to visit me and pray for me. Got a Patrick from Samantha…hehe, thanks for coming all the way from your house! ;-p

Sunflower

Debbie helped gather a few friends from sangati to pray for me and Connor. We had communion at Kelvin’s. Claimed God's promises, healing and trust that He will see us through.

A reminder from the Lord

The surgeon

It is interesting that I'm back to the hospital that I was borned. Quite sure it was pretty different then.

Aren't doctors and surgeons supposed to be really busy with tight schedule everyday for the next month or something? Dr. Lee didn't say much but he scheduled me for surgery next Tuesday! I panicked a bit because the nurse was asking me to do all the hospital admission stuff. Shouldn't I think more. I thought I'll just do what they say and if I change my mind, I'll just don't appear on Tuesday!

Test results

I have previously seen a doctor from another hospital regarding my enlarged thyroid. He said to go for surgery. Well, as a very normal person, I think it is important to get a second opinion.

I had Debbie accompany me since Mum was still in China. Dato’ Dr. Khalid (Janet’s colleague from Sunway previously) is a very caring doctor. I’m not sure how many doctors are willing to give away their mobile number. ;-D He had a very very concerned face and he was silent pretty long before he spoke. Maybe he can't remember my case.. Haha, it has been 2 weeks. He probably thought I was going to cry. Yup, the test (from the last visit where he suddenly decided to poke a needle through my neck) showed that there is a suspicion of “bad” cells. He told me that if money was an issue, he could recommend me to a gov hospital. Only problem is it is going to take very long before I could get it done. If I was his sister, he would advice me to get it done ASAP. He explained what needs to be done. He gave me the contact of a surgeon.

I couldn’t go back to work…need to think. I was still calm, but maybe my mind was wondering stuff…wondering…wondering…went to watch Kung Fu Panda.

Appointment with surgeon the next day.

Livewire’s Charge Up! Conference 2008

24th-27th April 2008

This year, the conference is kinda different for me. I was a helper instead of a delegate like previous years. The conference was held at Life College. What is different compared to last year was, the church that used to meet at the college has moved…therefore, so did the instrument and sound system!!! My responsibility was to arrange for the sound system for the conference… how do you actually do such thing…? Favour from God lah. Thank God we had EC. He managed to secure the system and practically put the whole thing together. We did have some extra hands. Honestly if we didn’t get the unit from EC, I don’t know where on earth to find someone willing to loan us their equipment for a few days. Thank God also that we managed to get Alvin and Evie to loan their drums and keyboard. *whew*

Paul & Emily

2nd March 2008

This couple’s wedding is different and most definitely cool. Emily was dressed in a beautiful exotic Indian dress and accessories. Her sister and mum also came in sarees! The bride and groom, together with their bridesmaid and bestman lead their friends and family in worship at their wedding ceremony! Hehe. I get to do sound for their wedding too! ;-p

See how happy dew crew are!
They had their wedding dinner at the Sunway Club…poolside party with a live band. It rained like cats and dogs but nothing dampens their spirit. They were as joyful as ever. Amazing couple! The rain did stop after a while and we had clear sky and the opportunity to also watch Paul play bass with his band.