When the game is over...

I received “When the game is over, it all goes back in the box” as a Christmas present in 2007. I didn’t read until the end of 2008. It was a timely read for me – after my surgery and saying “see you soon” to Connor. The book really served as a good reminder on what is our priority and objective in life.

I especially like the part where the writer compared life on earth to a temporary stay in a motel. How we are very unlike to be spending all our money decorating it because it is just not home.

People go through life collecting stuff and then they die, leaving all their stuff behind. Then their kids argue and fight over those stuff and then they die and leave stuff behind again….and the hunger to accumulate stuff continues throughout the lifespan of….the stuff.

Do I like collecting stuff? I guess I do! For what? To make myself happy! :-p
Dumb.

The writer also mentioned about the contrast between his little known college mate and a famous billionaire’s funeral. The number of people and who (friends/family/anyone at all?) actually showed up at their funeral tells a lot about that person’s life. It reminded me about the legacy we leave behind when our time here is over. Who will have eternal treasures? The billionaire who abandon his family and friends for "success" or the little known person who has been serving God and people faithfully with everything he has.

It is the impact we made in others’ lives that really really matters.

Lizzie & Andrew

It's was a marathon...wedding marathon.
Both brides are my dear crews. It is also through crew that they first met their husbands who were serving in the mwm. :)

18th January 2009.
Lizzie has been serving in the same team with me since she 1st joined dew crew. It's really cool to see her grow in skills through the years. Another interesting fact about Lizzie is... she is a certified pet cosmetologist! How cool!

Andrew is a friend I knew since campus days. We were also in the same cell for a number of years as well...yikes, I think it is almost 10 years ago now?!

The interval between the ceremony and dinner wasn't long but we managed to find time to take lots and lots of silly pictures. This is one wedding where crew were suddenly seated very near to the main family table. So we got pretty excited. We still made a lot of noise. Plus we shouted our lungs out during the toast! prob 95+ db!

Won't miss their wedding for anything (yup, including the luxurious company trip to errr... Penang).

Evie & Janan

Only by Grace. 17th January 2009. Looks like weddings not only comes with color theme but with a theme theme these days :-p. Evie is one of my dew crew team member. She is probably the most joyful and cheerful person I ever know. We had so much fun making lots of noise at the wedding. Well, any wedding with crew around won’t be quiet la. LOUD noises and lots of photos guranteed! All photos in this post was shot by Oli.

The case of the useless shopper

I can’t shop. I’m totally hopeless. Somehow, I can spend money, but not through shopping shopping. I can’t stand crowds. Warehouse sales and shopping malls during the weekend are BAD for me. I get migraines. Extremely bad ones. They can last more than a day (sometimes it sticks to my head even with Panadol and good sleep).

Maybe I’m just not a people person. I get upset at the strangers – when kids scream with their highest pitch and the parents thinks they are cute. -_-

Maybe I’m picky. The current fashion doesn’t seem to be much of my taste. Size is a constant challenge, everything is just pricey and I give up very quickly.

I guess it is ok. I only hunt for things when my stuffs are broken. I’ll live with all my old clothes, shoes and everything else.

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.

Dew Crew Appreciation 2007

30th December 2008...almost the last day of the year!

Suddenly dew crew is huge…?! We finally have the 1st get-together with the AV crew from Children church and Chinese church. It was a fun nite…theme was 80’s, it was pretty interesting what some of the crew could come up with. We booked the whole place - Isthmus, North Point to ourselves….how fun. Yup, as usual, we were loud, noisy and had great laugh together. I especially like Cindy mimicking Karen during the charades.…You da girl!

This is Karen

Charmaine & Irwin

Double celebration. KK 14th Dec 2007 & KL 21st Dec 2007

Bridesmaid. 1st time.

I have never walked down the aisle of a church that slow in my entire life. I am just a fast walker. A whole lot of us flew to KK just for wedding. Jee Ing and I went 2 days earlier. Charmaine put us, her youth and YA cell members all at the Colonnade Apartments. I had my 1st manicure. A few of us went with Charmaine when she did hers. Haha…

Shangri-La, KK

Charmaine's dresses were all tailored made. Cool huh? I had a hard time finding dinner dresses since I was attending both dinners. Thank God I found SA creation. They have my kind of taste there. Go check it out in Sungai Wang!

Holiday Villa, Subang

Charmaine’s bridal shower/bachelorette night

Charmaine was reminding me about her bridal shower/bachelorette night 3 months before her wedding. Since I am her bridesmaid, she reminded me that it was my duty to organize for her. Tsk tsk tsk… asking for it. Since she was so anticipating it, I had to surprise her.

How to catch her off guard? Today, Joanne had to con-vince her to church. The girls gathered and officially hi-jack her at Dream Café. We blind folded her and brought her to my house. We blessed her with gifts and prayer and we had some games. We dressed her up, put a veil and some “make up” on and make her wear a custom designed t-shirt. After that, we blind folded her again and brought her to TGIF, Curve. Haha, she freaked out when she got off the car and suspect she was somewhere public. We made her complete a list of task…from singing to a stranger, asking for phone numbers and getting someone to buy her a drink, more specifically, milk (she got that easy…she found someone she knew!!! Cheating!).

It was an unforgettable evening!

Dew & MWM Go-Kart

The crew had a great time go-karting at retreat. We mentioned me must do it again before the year is over. So, today we invited MWM as well... okay, only Anson came but he will represent the whole lot. Even though there wasn’t that many of us, but it was fun. At Shah Alam, the karts are in better condition than the ones in PD. Had some professional practicing at the track as well….haha, we got lapped by kids! Oh, and we had to wear shower caps again.

It was a great way to relax after the whole hectic month of serving in Dream Centre. We have to do this again!

DSP to DC & Philips

It is DUMC’s great move. So what better to do than help out there since I’m so unemployed (pre-employed). I guess God made lots of things very timely…well, I sort of plan a bit lah, but He made it happen.

After all the thinking and rethinking and finally having my mum’s approval and peace from God, this is it. Spent many weeks running around with Fui Ping – who happened to be on a break from work. It was a good way of just seeing and understanding how things are done…which is an eye-opener. Of course I was also job hunting a the same time…

The call came… they want an interview… it’s Philips. And it is located on the 9th floor of my ex-company….how weird…

I got the job! Starts 1st October. Exactly when $$$ is running out. God is really good to me. He answered many of my prayer…

1. a job near church or near home
2. NOT doing accounts
3. do not pay me lower than my current salary (well, they paid the same, but that means no increment for the next year)
4. 5 days week
5. do not work on PUBLIC HOLIDAYS!!!!!
6. no crazy boss

This is really from God. Many were kind of worried for me when I first throw in my resignation before getting a new job. Well, I didn’t have much leave left to go for interview, considering most employers only wanna interview during working hours AND most importantly….I had the peace of GOD. YES!

My Last Day with DHL

I quit my job…..this is an achievement! Today is my last day!
Well, let’s just say that I have been longing for this day for wayyyyyy too long. After having farewell for so many many of your colleagues, it is a relieved that my turn finally came. After working there for more than 2 years, I wonder if I’ll miss my cubicle. Guess not.

APSSC Team Building 17th-19th Aug 2008

Right before my last week with DHL, I get to go with them on a team building trip. It’s the last time I’m going with this gang anyway. We went to Allson Kelana, Seremban. It was a weekend thing. Kinda short but great coz we get to do abseiling, climb high ropes on trees. It was great team work we had. It was all part of a team thing. My partner was Korean colleague Ashley. She’s very cool. Think the trip gave her great opportunity to know a lot more people in office. The dinner theme on Saturday night was Retro 70's. Some were really sporting, they actually went to rent wigs and costumes. Going to miss some of these fellas…especially my buddy!

Lasik Surgery – 12th June 2007

I discovered quite a number of people has done this surgery! Imagine, specs and contacts free!!! That would be so great…only a person who wears specs understands this. I normally wear my contact to swim. I just can’t imagine walking around not being able to see. First, I found out Connor and Janet did it a number of years ago, then I found out dear Siew Kim also did many years ago….no negative side effects so far.

I did some research and went to the specialist with the longest track record in the country, Optimax. There is actually quite a number of different type of Lasik…and not everyone is suitable for all. My eyes were actually suitable for 2. After much thinking, I went with the more expensive but more advanced and safer procedure…hey, it’s my eyes you know, not worth taking the risk.

Actually on the actual surgery day, it’s kinda scary. They tell you all the possibility of the surgery and made me sign that I understood. Well, too late to look back.

I was lead into a room with another 3 patient. The 3 of them were from Brunei… can’t believe they flew all the way here because the outlet here in TTDI is the most advanced in the region. Our doctor, Dr. Chuah Kay Leong examined each of our eyes and explained to us the procedure. And he commented that I may experience some pain because I looked like I have small eyes. But he did comment that normally ladies are better in a way because we don’t move much (I think ladies are braver la). Right before my turn, I heard the him raising his voice telling the guy not to move numerous times. Yikes.

I prayed throughout the surgery. It was a successful one. Dr. Chuah said that my eyes are not that small after all…Haha. It was blurry right after it. Went straight home to sleep before the numbness wears off. After just sleeping for a few hours I was good. Still a little hazy… but I actually went out. ;-p

The amazing thing I discover from this is that God really made our body…dunno what is the best word but great. The cut they made on the eye does not require stitches. It just heals back on its own. Cool huh.

Wycliffe Camp 7th-10th June 2007

As part of MCPP 2 programme we had to attend a non-DUMC mission camp. Thanks to Siew Mei, Wycliffe has organized this specially for our group at Cameron Highlands. It was an interesting camp; we learn some Nepali and understand further what it takes to do a translation of the bible. Since there were a number of us from crew, we couldn’t resist stopping to take some photos!

Dew Crew Retreat 30th Apr-2nd May 2007

We had a retreat at Casa Rachado, Port Dickson. One of the highlights was the go-kart ride. They only had 3 kart… and we kinda destroyed one. Took turns on it and had a good laugh at each other. Only terrible thing was the yucky wet helmet. They got us to wear the shower cap…but yah, a good hair wash was needed. Casa Rachado is pretty cool. We rented a number of apartment units. It was facing the beach, so it was pretty nice. We had a volleyball game on the beach as well.

Nepal 12th-23rd Apr 2007

So, looks like this time they aren’t so many people wanting to go to Nepal…many factors but this time it is open to the Sangati gang…Yup, we were going to the same place as before plus exploring a few additional places. This time I have Janet, Connor, Evelyn, Audrey and my favourite leader…Kelvin ;-p

It was a challenge to begin with. My passport expired and I had to renew it. Went to Subang…very early to queue but was told “Sistem down la”. Was super frus man, I took leave for this. And I don’t have much with the trip and wanting to attend interviews! Waited a while before I finally decide to try Damansara. Thank God – there was no queue at all…how weird.

As per the previous year…Leave was not easy. I was told I took a week of last year for Cambodia…huh?!! WHATEVER…

Our flight tickets were not confirmed till the very last minute…and this time we were experimenting with new airline….Nepal Air! We were upgraded to the “business class”. But this is not MAS… no TV etc… btw, other than the stewardess; we were the only ladies on board. Many of the Nepalese are taking the flight back home after many years of working in Malaysia. Compared with Thai, this is better in a way it was a direct flight…AND contrary to popular believe that the airline always delays…we were right on time and maybe slightly earlier than schedule. Same thing when we came back.

It was nice to see familiar faces after 2 years. See how much some of the children have grown… some of the youth got married and had babies! Was great to stay with the Palans & Aunty Jutta again. We met up with Maan who was attending Sangati when he was in Malaysia and Lee who visited Malaysia a little while ago.

On the way back, the taxi carrying me, Connor and Janet hit a divider really hard. It was amazing that none of us got hurt. It was pretty late and dark and raining. But the taxi managed to start even after the crash. Another amazing thing was when we got down from the taxi at the airport; I went to the front to check out the damaged. There was only some scratches and a small dent on the number plate. God was really there to protect us.

Fortunately/unfortunately we did not manage to secure a flight back on Sunday. So we were officially the longest mission trip overseas….12 days! Flying back, we even got upgraded right before we board the plane. This time, we were upgraded to 1st class. Still no TV but nice lah.

Barely a day or 2 after we arrived back, it was reported that all 2 of Nepal Air’s plane has been grounded due to engine or mechanical defect. *Whew* God really brought us home safely…we could have crashed or stuck in Nepal longer.

LiveWire’s 2nd Media Conference – March 9th-11th 2007

This year’s workshop was quite specialized. It was on photography. The speaker was this guy we met at Planetshakers KK…Louis. It’s really great to learn the basics of photography…everyone came with their small digital camera, DSLR and very expensive lenses. Cool.

Raewynn & Ndrew

My 1st secondary school classmate’s wedding on 3rd March 2007… or at least that I am attending. When the groom’s entourage came, I saw a familiar face. My cell member! She’s the groom’s sister. Small world! It was an honour to be able to accompany the bride during her wedding day when the make up etc are all done.

High School Musical @ DSP – 16th Dec 2006

This is the largest cast ever by the Children Church production. Apparently HSM is super super popular with kids...and I have no idea what on earth is that. We have so many wireless “running” around…..the kids were RUNNING around! It’s so great to see all of them so excited about doing well for God. All of them had to show their Pastor that they have been dong their quiet time consistently to be involve in this production. I believe they are the true good examples to follow. If you can only see how dedicated they were in perfecting their dance steps, the song lyrics and scripts. They were really really good! They had to be…or else Vivi would bite them.

Planetshakers KL – 13th –15th Dec 2006

Another LiveWire Production. This is probably the one team that is made up of the most number of churches. We have media crew form Penang, SIBKL, DUMC, EaglePoint. Somehow everybody just work super well together. I mean, most of us don’t know each other until this. And the setup and set down were done extremely fast…honestly, we were very efficient! Hahaha. Sprained my ankle trying to get rid of “camera blockers”…ouch! And we have children church musical the next day! And I went to work on Monday! It swell like gila on Tuesday….and I got MC….ehehehe…but it was painful lah…somemore so uglyyyy…

Dew Media Appreciation 3rd Dec 2006

It is cool to finally meet people from the different branch of dew media…floodgates, powerpoint, photography and interactive. We had a blast at Friendster. We sang, make lots of noise and entertained each other very very well.

My favourite photo of the night is none other than my team members…all in white …except CE, rebel.

Hillsongs United Live – Nov 2006

This was one of LiveWire’s project at SIB KL, and few of us from Dew have this great opportunity to be part of the camera crew. Quite cool.

MCPP 2 Presentation at Mission Weekend 14th & 15th Oct 2006

Siew Mei is probably the 1st person who inspired me into missions. She’s has done so much. She was encouraging me to join her on the short team trips in 2002 even before she went on Doulos. I knew I would be most guilty when she returned from Doulos in 2005 and I haven’t even gone on a short term. Thand God I finally went to Nepal. Since back with DUMC, she has been helping to coordinate lots of training and activities. Well, also encourage a number of us to GO by faith!

Siew Mei is really good with mime…I have watched her perform it a few times. Well, she’s a natural performer. Anything from acting to dancing, she nails it.

So, for mission weekend, she taught us a mime. It was really cool since most of us have never done it before. Since we had to do it 4 times, we had quite a bit of time to kill. So took some photos and went around scaring people. ;-p

APSSC Team Building @ Marriott Putrajaya Sept 9th –10th, 2006

I didn’t feel like going…I feel like I had to work during the weekend…!!!!! So not fair. Thank God for nice colleagues. Oh and nice hotels… the Marriot in Putra Jaya is pretty nice. Especially the pillows…..oh feather super soft pillows…so nice. Could just sleep through the weekend. Hehe. The thing was the talk...talk talk talk....nothing new that I haven't heard of...Maybe I attended way too many leadership seminar when I was with Leo... maybe I heard a lot in church as well....but the thing is, I think many would agree with me that sit down kind of team building, is just to for the bulk of us.

My team...the Piranhas

Hew Yen had the privilege to get drunk on Sat night...she just laughs....AT EVERYTHING. We had to carry her back to the room...I dunno how many times she fell of the bed, but she was so enjoying it....laughing all the way ;-p

Cambodia 4th-12th Aug 2006

Before I knew it, and since it was a requirement under MCPP 2, I was asked to be in the team to Cambodia. Honestly I wanted to go back to Nepal and there was a team going in September but don’t know, felt a stronger call to be in this team. I have the amazing opportunity to work with Kau Sern, Joanne, Janice, DebbieDebbie, Debbie Loh, Joel, Sarah and the youngest of us all, Aaron. This was youth team and we were there to also conduct a 3-days camp.

We stayed with a 2 church members based in Cambodia. One in Phnom Penh and another in Baray. Well, we were mostly in Baray where our church member have a handicraft workshop and operate a homestay programme. On the 2nd day of the camp, our 4th in Cambodia, 3 of us were little unwell. Our kind host cooked us porridge. We had homemade kaya. Yup, was another one of those pampering trip. I feel so LOVED! Actually one thing about this trip was I didn’t really felt like I left Malaysia. Maybe it’s a bigger team, and we have our missionaries with us all the time, their kids around. Their presence was a blessing to me. As their share about their work, I can only see how great is their faith and how great is our God. They also celebrated Sarah, Aaron and my birthday. God really reminded me how bless I am when I was told that most of the children/youth at camp have never tasted cake before.

I really believe that the mission field is where all the action is….and where life changes and miracles happens everyday. ;-D

Everyone of us get to go on motorbike ride. That was how we get around in the villages unless we were going with the whole group. That was fun. The last time I sat on one was when I was really young. Before coming back, we had a short R & R. That was when we visited the historical "school" the Touslang Museum - we were a little silly to have gone a little late in the evening. Was a bittt creepy. Just imagine how many were sacrifice in the country. I was told that during the difficult time in Cambodia, anyone who was educated or wore glasses were murdered. What we saw at the Museum were photographs of people killed during the Khmer Rouge Regime. Many who were children and babbies.

Anyway, took a while to digest all that. We had dinner on a boat ride on the Mekong River. That was really cool too. There is just so much to mentioned...and I could go on and on...but my roomie...she managed to vomit everything from that trip really well... in a blog specially dedicated to the trip... check out Squaw Red Rim