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!