This weekend I had the privilege of road tripping-ish down to Jindabyne, 6 hours out of Sydney, to snowboard! YAY! Went with Chooi (her name is pronounced CHEWY haha, and you thought my name was, ehem, unusual) my favourite Malaysian Aussie and Paul, the dead-pan Brazillian dude from me church, and a bunch of Chooi's other friends.
Snowboarding was good fun. The resort was decent, not as pretty as Lake Tahoe in the States (where I went with Cari coupla years ago) but the snow was better. The views were much better in Tahoe than Jindabyne, I felt, but then again, Australia is a different country with its own unique landscape. Didn't take a single picture at Jindabyne, much as I love pictures, as I didn't want to carry my camera around while snowboarding. Paul took some pictures but I'm too lazy to get them from him haha.
Snowboarding is physically exhausting!! I kid you not!! Especially if you're as unfit and inflexible as I am!! After two days of boarding I feel like I've been stuffed in a human sized washing machine, cold washed, spun round, yanked out and wrung dry. Can't remember the last time I was physically this spent.
If I were to choose between snowboarding and wakeboarding, at this point, I'd pick wakeboarding. Probably because I'm better at it. But also because you feel more in control as you have the handle bar to hold on to and a lot of the hard work is done by the boat.
Snowboarding/skiing's a chore as you have to painstakingly line up for the ski lift, dangerously manoeuvre yourself off the ski lift trying not to fall, will your body and board to glide to a suitable start off point, plonk yourself on the snow to secure your free boot to the board, maintain your balance while trying to stand, "bounce" the board forward to pick up speed, then, and only then, are you able to snowboard down the slope. And if, you're on a beginner slope, like I was, the run will be annoyingly short. Before you know it, you'd be at the bottom of the slope, done with the run, having to start the arduous process all over again. Once I got better at it I tried to maximize my run by moving to the far left and far right of the slope (as opposed to going straight down) just so I could stay on the run a little longer. Heh. Clever eh? :P
Of course, when you do that, you don't go as fast, but you fall less too me thinks.
By the end of the first day I was utterly pushed to my physical limit. On the second day, I had to force myself to stop boarding at midday, though my mind and will were rearing to go on. My left hand was getting a tad mangled from falling heavily on it and preserving my left hand is rather important. Heh. Can't play me piano without a left hand. Can't do a whole lot of other stuff either.
Next season, if I get the chance to go again, I'm going to train before going. Haha. How I do not know, but some form of physical endurance just to last a bit longer in the snow. That way I can board for a few more days and perhaps master some tricks. Haha.
Now though, is the time for me to gingerly tuck my maimed body into bed, content with the two days I had in the snow and grateful to God for the chance to enjoy his creation.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Saturday, July 7, 2007
O what a holiday!!
Allow me to apologise for not updating my blog the past few weeks. I was on (a much deserved, heh) holiday in New Zealand for three weeks. In case you were wondering, I had a FANTASTIC time. YAY! :) Here's the low-down on my trip. I'm doing this more for my sake to preserve my memories of the holiday. But I'm sure some of you would enjoy the pictures nonetheless.
Here goes!
Muriwai Beach. Enjoying the scenery and catching up!
Hanging out at Jackson's place making Bachang!
Tramping with Julz. Heh. Check out his pippy long stockings outfit!
The boys posing
The ARPC (+1) reunion church band. We played/sang on a Sunday service at Elliot's dad's church.
Driving down towards Wellington with Elliot's CF friends. That's us with (sa)RAH and Jack\
Driving off into the mountains. Check out the gorgeous mountains!
Hanging out with the girls at TSCF conference. Praise God for the wonderful time we had with other Christians from all over NZ. There's Annabe, Nicole, Felicity, Peta-Marie and Ana!
Huka Falls. Spent two days with CFers at Lake Taupo where they had wonderful hot springs! Just what we needed as the weather was ccooollldddd..
Kate posing to look like the bear on the poster on the wall. Heh.
I've saved the most special for last. The Shudalls. Thank God for their hospitality. Thanks guys :) Thanks Ines for cleaning up after me.. It was a pleasure spending time with you and getting to know you better. Till we meet again....
Thank God for the chance to go to NZ. Thank God for time spent together and many precious memories. Happy thoughts will fill my mind for a while yet. :)
Here goes!
Muriwai Beach. Enjoying the scenery and catching up!
Hanging out at Jackson's place making Bachang!
Tramping with Julz. Heh. Check out his pippy long stockings outfit!
The boys posing
The ARPC (+1) reunion church band. We played/sang on a Sunday service at Elliot's dad's church.
Driving down towards Wellington with Elliot's CF friends. That's us with (sa)RAH and Jack\
Driving off into the mountains. Check out the gorgeous mountains!
Hanging out with the girls at TSCF conference. Praise God for the wonderful time we had with other Christians from all over NZ. There's Annabe, Nicole, Felicity, Peta-Marie and Ana!
Huka Falls. Spent two days with CFers at Lake Taupo where they had wonderful hot springs! Just what we needed as the weather was ccooollldddd..
Kate posing to look like the bear on the poster on the wall. Heh.
I've saved the most special for last. The Shudalls. Thank God for their hospitality. Thanks guys :) Thanks Ines for cleaning up after me.. It was a pleasure spending time with you and getting to know you better. Till we meet again....
Thank God for the chance to go to NZ. Thank God for time spent together and many precious memories. Happy thoughts will fill my mind for a while yet. :)
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Its just a rock you goose!!
Yesterday I watched Blood Diamond starring Leo Di and Jennifer Connelly. I must say Leo Di is a good actor. I was rather impressed.
The movie made me think about the diamond trade. For those who haven't watched it, its basically about how rebels in Sierra Leone violently exploit poor villagers to mine diamonds, only to smuggle them to Liberia in exchange for huge sums of money to fund their rebel cause. The movie portrayed the violent fighting between government forces and rebel groups and highlighted the atrocities carried out by the rebel groups - recruiting child soliders, raping women and girls, chopping off hands...
At one point in the movie Leo Di remarks "sometimes I wonder if God will ever forgive us for what we have done to each other. Then I look around [the continent Africa] and realise God left this place long ago".
Africa is a continent plagued with problems. Genocide in Rwanda, civil war in Darfur, major unrest in Somalia, where they haven't had a government for the past 16 years, child soldiers, female genital mutilation, famine, drought, the list goes on... Its not hard to question the existence of God when you look at the horror that goes on in Africa.
It seems like a lame response to argue that God DOES exist and God DOES care even though it doesn't seem like it and he IS in control even when things go wrong. God is God and he know's what he's doing. He is sovereign over everything that happens in the world, and I know this to be true because of what he tells us in his Word. It's a circular argument isn't it. How do we know God is true? Because he says so. How do we know that what he says is true? Because he is God.
I don't know how else to put it and I don't know how to convince anyone else to believe what I know to be true. God's sovereignty is one of the hardest concepts for me to explain and understand.
That aside, the one major thing that the movie made me determined to do is to not ever buy diamonds again. Never ever!
I'm saying this for all to read. I don't ever want to buy diamonds. My parents have bought me a diamond ring, I've bought myself a (VERY small) diamond, and an ex boyfriend has bought me diamonds. All that's done and that chapter of my life is closed. No more diamonds for me. Even if they're from conflict free zones.
I don't want to own something so "precious" if its caused so much suffering for others around the world. I don't want to be a consumer to add to the demand of such a "precious" commodity. I don't need it.
We're all going to die. "Diamonded" or "diamondless".
God promises us treasures in heaven that will never be destroyed if we serve him all our days. That's more precious to me than any diamond I could own. (Matt 6:19,20)
I wonder how many people I can convince to not buy diamonds.
The movie made me think about the diamond trade. For those who haven't watched it, its basically about how rebels in Sierra Leone violently exploit poor villagers to mine diamonds, only to smuggle them to Liberia in exchange for huge sums of money to fund their rebel cause. The movie portrayed the violent fighting between government forces and rebel groups and highlighted the atrocities carried out by the rebel groups - recruiting child soliders, raping women and girls, chopping off hands...
At one point in the movie Leo Di remarks "sometimes I wonder if God will ever forgive us for what we have done to each other. Then I look around [the continent Africa] and realise God left this place long ago".
Africa is a continent plagued with problems. Genocide in Rwanda, civil war in Darfur, major unrest in Somalia, where they haven't had a government for the past 16 years, child soldiers, female genital mutilation, famine, drought, the list goes on... Its not hard to question the existence of God when you look at the horror that goes on in Africa.
It seems like a lame response to argue that God DOES exist and God DOES care even though it doesn't seem like it and he IS in control even when things go wrong. God is God and he know's what he's doing. He is sovereign over everything that happens in the world, and I know this to be true because of what he tells us in his Word. It's a circular argument isn't it. How do we know God is true? Because he says so. How do we know that what he says is true? Because he is God.
I don't know how else to put it and I don't know how to convince anyone else to believe what I know to be true. God's sovereignty is one of the hardest concepts for me to explain and understand.
That aside, the one major thing that the movie made me determined to do is to not ever buy diamonds again. Never ever!
I'm saying this for all to read. I don't ever want to buy diamonds. My parents have bought me a diamond ring, I've bought myself a (VERY small) diamond, and an ex boyfriend has bought me diamonds. All that's done and that chapter of my life is closed. No more diamonds for me. Even if they're from conflict free zones.
I don't want to own something so "precious" if its caused so much suffering for others around the world. I don't want to be a consumer to add to the demand of such a "precious" commodity. I don't need it.
We're all going to die. "Diamonded" or "diamondless".
God promises us treasures in heaven that will never be destroyed if we serve him all our days. That's more precious to me than any diamond I could own. (Matt 6:19,20)
I wonder how many people I can convince to not buy diamonds.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Some lovely people from church!
There are so many things I want to share with my friends back home about my life here. So many experiences and stories and "life" in general that I wish everyone back home could be a part of. I feel like I've lived in two "worlds". Now I'm so happy and comfortable in Sydney that I can truly call it home. When I go back to Singapore during my summer holidays I'll be going home. But yet, I'll be missing my other (newer) home and the people and friends I have here. Praise God for how I've adapted and assimilate so well! :)
Last week Jess, Helen and myself went to morning service at St Andrew's Cathedral to experience a high order Anglican service. It was AWESOME. The speaker Phillip Jensen was great (he ususally is) but the whole experience of the service was enjoyable too. It was a Holy Communion service so it was full of rituals. We had to read from the liturgy book (I think that's what its called) and there were cute choir boys wearing robes haha! Their voices hadn't broken yet, so they could reach higher notes than I can (haha) and and and, instead of having a band they use the organ for accompaniment. Like not the organs we have in Singapore but the huge church type pipe organs that make "Phantom of the Opera" sounds. It was cool!
I can see why some people enjoy going to such services cos it feels very "holy" and going through the rituals make you feel like you're "getting closer to God". But of course, its none of that which saves us and nothing that we've done that makes us right with God. Thank God Jesus did all that for us!
But anyways, the service was such a delight that we're going to go one a month just for fun. Haha.
To add to my already joyous Sunday, we (Jess, Helen and Daniel) went for CHINESE lunch after church! I had CHICKEN RICE!! YAY! And if that wasn't enough we three girls went factory outlet shopping after that just before we went to regular TBT church. Life doesn't get any better than that does it? haha.
(Its easy to forget that I'm actually a full time post grad student. Heh. I'm not actually doing much work. But I'm passing so THERE!!)
Yesterday I hung out with Chew Chern. We cuddled up (not, you know, each other) on the sofa and watched Dreamgirls. Then we had fried eggs for supper. haha. Simple things please simple minds. :)
I'm so thankful there are snippets, or rather, huge chunks of joy, in my life to keep me going. The week that just ended was an emotionally difficult week for various reasons, but we should always count it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds for the testing of our faith produces perseverence. And that is good so that we may be perfect and lacking nothing when Jesus comes again! YAY!
I shall end this posting with pictures!!
Jess and myself waiting outside church for Helen to come. It was a lovely sunny day!
Helen and myself at the chinese restaurant. We're going to go dragon boating in a few weeks hopefully!
Dan and Jess and the chinese restaurant. Kudos to Dan for being adventurous enough to eat pig innards during lunch! haha
Jess looking wierd on the bus on the way to shopping. haha. DUH!
Shumin and myself!! Its such a pleasure to see people from home. Especially when they've brought stuff for you haha. Thanks Kev and Cari for the gift. And thanks mom for the bedsheets and clothes!!!
Last week Jess, Helen and myself went to morning service at St Andrew's Cathedral to experience a high order Anglican service. It was AWESOME. The speaker Phillip Jensen was great (he ususally is) but the whole experience of the service was enjoyable too. It was a Holy Communion service so it was full of rituals. We had to read from the liturgy book (I think that's what its called) and there were cute choir boys wearing robes haha! Their voices hadn't broken yet, so they could reach higher notes than I can (haha) and and and, instead of having a band they use the organ for accompaniment. Like not the organs we have in Singapore but the huge church type pipe organs that make "Phantom of the Opera" sounds. It was cool!
I can see why some people enjoy going to such services cos it feels very "holy" and going through the rituals make you feel like you're "getting closer to God". But of course, its none of that which saves us and nothing that we've done that makes us right with God. Thank God Jesus did all that for us!
But anyways, the service was such a delight that we're going to go one a month just for fun. Haha.
To add to my already joyous Sunday, we (Jess, Helen and Daniel) went for CHINESE lunch after church! I had CHICKEN RICE!! YAY! And if that wasn't enough we three girls went factory outlet shopping after that just before we went to regular TBT church. Life doesn't get any better than that does it? haha.
(Its easy to forget that I'm actually a full time post grad student. Heh. I'm not actually doing much work. But I'm passing so THERE!!)
Yesterday I hung out with Chew Chern. We cuddled up (not, you know, each other) on the sofa and watched Dreamgirls. Then we had fried eggs for supper. haha. Simple things please simple minds. :)
I'm so thankful there are snippets, or rather, huge chunks of joy, in my life to keep me going. The week that just ended was an emotionally difficult week for various reasons, but we should always count it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds for the testing of our faith produces perseverence. And that is good so that we may be perfect and lacking nothing when Jesus comes again! YAY!
I shall end this posting with pictures!!
Jess and myself waiting outside church for Helen to come. It was a lovely sunny day!
Helen and myself at the chinese restaurant. We're going to go dragon boating in a few weeks hopefully!
Dan and Jess and the chinese restaurant. Kudos to Dan for being adventurous enough to eat pig innards during lunch! haha
Jess looking wierd on the bus on the way to shopping. haha. DUH!
Shumin and myself!! Its such a pleasure to see people from home. Especially when they've brought stuff for you haha. Thanks Kev and Cari for the gift. And thanks mom for the bedsheets and clothes!!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
A series of firsts...
I've been told I need to update my blog more regularly. Apparantly once in 2 weeks isn't enough. Some people are just so demanding.. Heehee :P
The reasons why I don't update as regularly is:
1. I'm rather busy (yes, really, I am)
2. I like to write "quality" blogs (though that is subjective haha) and inspiration takes time. Heh.
3. Blogging is a joy when its not about frivolous topics and done only periodically. Seriously, do you want to know what I have for lunch everyday?
But anyway, here I am, detailing the going ons of my eventful life in Sydney.
So here goes.
The past few weeks have been a series of firsts. In no order of merit or chronology:
1. I drove an expecting mother (Deb) to the hospital for her delivery. Early on Sunday morning my telephone rang, waking me up. I thought to myself, which idio* calls so blo*dy early on a Sunday morning???
Sarah (In a disgruntled voice): Hello?
Caller (In a lot of pain): Hi Sarah
Sarah (Not knowing who the caller was): Er, yah?
Caller (In MORE pain): Hey, Deb here. Can you come over now please. I'm in a lot of pain. I think its labour.
Sarah: OH CRAP!! (Actually I used more explicit language but "oh crap" will do for now) Alright coming over now!!
Rushed to their house, without breakfast, make up or wash up. (I only changed out of my PJs and brushed my teeth) Drove them to the hospital.
2. Saw a half hour old baby for the first time in my life.
While Denesh and Deborah were in the delivery room delivering Elijah, I was occupying Ethan on the hospital grounds. We read stories, pretended to be horses, ran in the park, watched kids play soccer and walked up and down the carpark slope (at one point Ethan asked me to sing him the Liverpool song, which I don't know. Haha trust Denesh to teach his son such things heh). Denesh called and both of us (Ethan and myself) ran to the delivery room to see baby Elijah!! Yay!!
3. Went to work for the first time in Sydney.
I FINALLY got my work visa. So on Monday I spent 8 hours in a childcare centre changing nappys and putting babies to sleep. By the fourth soiled nappy I was seriously reconsidering having kids.
4. Cooked "Ba Ku Teh" with Deb.
Actually, Deb cooked the ba ku teh. I was just there to eat. haha. We both owe much to April for graciously sending me yummy Ba Ku Teh spices all the way from Singapore!!! THANK YOU APRIL!!!! :)
5. Study the bible with such a diverse group of people.
My Bible Study group at church comprises Naomi, Laetitia, Tim, Graeme, Michael and Trevor. We range in age from 24 (me) to 60+(I'm guessing). We've got an accountant, airplane repair mechanic, retiree, IT person and a Milkman. How cool is that? We're all so different and the only thing to bind us together is our love for God. Praise God for his family!
6. Playing for my church music team.
This Sunday will be my first time playing the piano for church! Yay! Thank God for the opportunity to serve.
That's pretty much my past few weeks in a nutshell. God has been so good too me. I'm really very thankful. There are days where I feel emotionally very drained and tired, as is the case for everyone at every point in life, but on the whole I'm really very happy and content with life here. God is good, all the time! :)
I shall end my posting with some random pictures.
Standing: Michael, Sarah, Naomi
Sitting: Laetitia, Trevor, Tim and Graeme
Ethan posing with his gingerbread man
Deb and I posing with the "Ba Ku Tek" packet!!
The reasons why I don't update as regularly is:
1. I'm rather busy (yes, really, I am)
2. I like to write "quality" blogs (though that is subjective haha) and inspiration takes time. Heh.
3. Blogging is a joy when its not about frivolous topics and done only periodically. Seriously, do you want to know what I have for lunch everyday?
But anyway, here I am, detailing the going ons of my eventful life in Sydney.
So here goes.
The past few weeks have been a series of firsts. In no order of merit or chronology:
1. I drove an expecting mother (Deb) to the hospital for her delivery. Early on Sunday morning my telephone rang, waking me up. I thought to myself, which idio* calls so blo*dy early on a Sunday morning???
Sarah (In a disgruntled voice): Hello?
Caller (In a lot of pain): Hi Sarah
Sarah (Not knowing who the caller was): Er, yah?
Caller (In MORE pain): Hey, Deb here. Can you come over now please. I'm in a lot of pain. I think its labour.
Sarah: OH CRAP!! (Actually I used more explicit language but "oh crap" will do for now) Alright coming over now!!
Rushed to their house, without breakfast, make up or wash up. (I only changed out of my PJs and brushed my teeth) Drove them to the hospital.
2. Saw a half hour old baby for the first time in my life.
While Denesh and Deborah were in the delivery room delivering Elijah, I was occupying Ethan on the hospital grounds. We read stories, pretended to be horses, ran in the park, watched kids play soccer and walked up and down the carpark slope (at one point Ethan asked me to sing him the Liverpool song, which I don't know. Haha trust Denesh to teach his son such things heh). Denesh called and both of us (Ethan and myself) ran to the delivery room to see baby Elijah!! Yay!!
3. Went to work for the first time in Sydney.
I FINALLY got my work visa. So on Monday I spent 8 hours in a childcare centre changing nappys and putting babies to sleep. By the fourth soiled nappy I was seriously reconsidering having kids.
4. Cooked "Ba Ku Teh" with Deb.
Actually, Deb cooked the ba ku teh. I was just there to eat. haha. We both owe much to April for graciously sending me yummy Ba Ku Teh spices all the way from Singapore!!! THANK YOU APRIL!!!! :)
5. Study the bible with such a diverse group of people.
My Bible Study group at church comprises Naomi, Laetitia, Tim, Graeme, Michael and Trevor. We range in age from 24 (me) to 60+(I'm guessing). We've got an accountant, airplane repair mechanic, retiree, IT person and a Milkman. How cool is that? We're all so different and the only thing to bind us together is our love for God. Praise God for his family!
6. Playing for my church music team.
This Sunday will be my first time playing the piano for church! Yay! Thank God for the opportunity to serve.
That's pretty much my past few weeks in a nutshell. God has been so good too me. I'm really very thankful. There are days where I feel emotionally very drained and tired, as is the case for everyone at every point in life, but on the whole I'm really very happy and content with life here. God is good, all the time! :)
I shall end my posting with some random pictures.
Standing: Michael, Sarah, Naomi
Sitting: Laetitia, Trevor, Tim and Graeme
Ethan posing with his gingerbread man
Deb and I posing with the "Ba Ku Tek" packet!!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Some random pictures as promised!!
This is the view at Katoomba (aka, the Blue Mountains), where I went for the Easter Convention. Vast, beautiful mountains eh!
This is Naomi, my friend from church, and her mom and me in Katoomba.
I went for a beach walk with some chicks from church. The beach walks are gorgeous and oh so romantic!! :)
Heehee, this is me, at the beach walk, trying to pull off a hercules! Oh Ruth (Wok) look at my shoes!! Tell Lynn (Ho) that I'm wearing the shoes she gave me hahaha!!!
This is the view of the Sydney CBD from the park where I sit to reflect and do my QT. It was quite a hazy day.
This is the prawn noodles I cooked!! Looks pretty good eh? I was missing the Adam Road Prawn Mee badly, and came up with my own rendition. It was a decent first effort, but not quite Adam Road standard (yet).. :(
Isn't he a darling?? This is Ethan (Divyanathan). He's SUCH a cutie!! This was him in the car when I was trying to get him to smile properly for the camera. haha. HE'S SO CUTE!!! He's extemely chatty and hyper most of the time too. CUTIE!!
I've left my favourite for the last.. :) Aww.. look at them.. Aren't they adorable? haha
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
God is so good
God is constantly reminding me of what an amazing God he is. He's provided for me all my life, and he's STILL providing for me, in so many ways, here in Sydney. I've got so many things to be thankful for I don't know where to begin.
There is a park near my apartment that I go to very often to sit, enjoy the outdoors, read my bible and reflect. Perhaps I'm easily contented, but I'm so happy that there's such a lovely park 5 minutes from home that I can go to. I like my space, and I like being outdoors. From the park, where sit under a big tree, I get a gorgeous view of the Sydney CBD skyline in the distance. The sun sets behind me and on any given day there are dog owners playing "catch the bone" with their dogs, shirtless guys (haha, yum! I DO NOT OGLE) playing frisbee or footy, couples having a picnic, stuff like that. Its a great privilege, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, to take time out to think and evaluate your life. Consciously setting aside "my quiet time" is something I'm going to make every effort to do, even in the busyness of life.
God has also been providing me with friends. Before coming here, I was apprehensive and didn't quite know what to expect. But things have been good. In my 2 months plus here I've been invited to the movies, gone for a weekend away, had lunch and coffee with classmates and had beach outings. Its not to say I'm popular and that's why I've got friends - I've consciously made the effort to get to know people, to understand Aussie culture and how they deal with friendships and conversations. It's not always easy, but its nothing I can complain about. The friendships are still in early stages and I'm still trying to build bridges with people, hopefully some friendships will deepen.
Sydney Uni is a BEAUTIFUL uni to study at. Sprawling grounds, Sandstone colossal majestic buildings, open spaces to sit, what more can I ask for? So many times I've asked God 'What have I done to deserve this'. The privilege of being here, in this uni, in a great city, in a good church, in a comfortable apartment. Why do I deserve this? And I know the answer is I don't. We don't deserve anything God gives us, much less the death of Jesus and his offer of eternal life. But God chooses to give what he gives, and takes away what he pleases and our responsibility is to praise and glorify him in everything.
I've got pictures to show my dear readers but I can't upload them because of firewalls in the apartment. I will upload pictures when I'm at Deb and Denesh's place. haha. (yes, I'm a freeloader. I do my laundry there every week.. haha. I don't know how they put up with me)
One last thing I'd like to share. Last week, over easter I had the chance to go for a weekend away with Naomi (a friend from church) and her mom and sister. We went to the Blue Mountains and there was a convention on the Christian suffering and hope. Good teaching, great people. The one lesson that I'd like to remember is from Philippians (my favourite book in the Bible, I've read/studied it so many times, but there's always new things to learn!!). Paul writes in 1:21 For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. For me, Sarah, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Its a win-win situation. You can't go wrong with Jesus.
The speaker shared this story (I'm sure I've got the facts wrong though, but you get my point). There was an influential Christian evangelist years ago who'd speak up against alcohol sales/production in the States. The Mafia were pissed off as they controlled much of the alcohol market and didn't want to lose money in the lucrative business. So they threatened the evanglistic, looked him in the eye, pointed a gun to him and told him, if he doesn't stop speaking up against it they'll kill him.
What did the evangelist do?
He looked them straight in the eye and said "are you seriously threatening me with HEAVEN??"
For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.
There is a park near my apartment that I go to very often to sit, enjoy the outdoors, read my bible and reflect. Perhaps I'm easily contented, but I'm so happy that there's such a lovely park 5 minutes from home that I can go to. I like my space, and I like being outdoors. From the park, where sit under a big tree, I get a gorgeous view of the Sydney CBD skyline in the distance. The sun sets behind me and on any given day there are dog owners playing "catch the bone" with their dogs, shirtless guys (haha, yum! I DO NOT OGLE) playing frisbee or footy, couples having a picnic, stuff like that. Its a great privilege, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, to take time out to think and evaluate your life. Consciously setting aside "my quiet time" is something I'm going to make every effort to do, even in the busyness of life.
God has also been providing me with friends. Before coming here, I was apprehensive and didn't quite know what to expect. But things have been good. In my 2 months plus here I've been invited to the movies, gone for a weekend away, had lunch and coffee with classmates and had beach outings. Its not to say I'm popular and that's why I've got friends - I've consciously made the effort to get to know people, to understand Aussie culture and how they deal with friendships and conversations. It's not always easy, but its nothing I can complain about. The friendships are still in early stages and I'm still trying to build bridges with people, hopefully some friendships will deepen.
Sydney Uni is a BEAUTIFUL uni to study at. Sprawling grounds, Sandstone colossal majestic buildings, open spaces to sit, what more can I ask for? So many times I've asked God 'What have I done to deserve this'. The privilege of being here, in this uni, in a great city, in a good church, in a comfortable apartment. Why do I deserve this? And I know the answer is I don't. We don't deserve anything God gives us, much less the death of Jesus and his offer of eternal life. But God chooses to give what he gives, and takes away what he pleases and our responsibility is to praise and glorify him in everything.
I've got pictures to show my dear readers but I can't upload them because of firewalls in the apartment. I will upload pictures when I'm at Deb and Denesh's place. haha. (yes, I'm a freeloader. I do my laundry there every week.. haha. I don't know how they put up with me)
One last thing I'd like to share. Last week, over easter I had the chance to go for a weekend away with Naomi (a friend from church) and her mom and sister. We went to the Blue Mountains and there was a convention on the Christian suffering and hope. Good teaching, great people. The one lesson that I'd like to remember is from Philippians (my favourite book in the Bible, I've read/studied it so many times, but there's always new things to learn!!). Paul writes in 1:21 For me to live is Christ, to die is gain. For me, Sarah, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Its a win-win situation. You can't go wrong with Jesus.
The speaker shared this story (I'm sure I've got the facts wrong though, but you get my point). There was an influential Christian evangelist years ago who'd speak up against alcohol sales/production in the States. The Mafia were pissed off as they controlled much of the alcohol market and didn't want to lose money in the lucrative business. So they threatened the evanglistic, looked him in the eye, pointed a gun to him and told him, if he doesn't stop speaking up against it they'll kill him.
What did the evangelist do?
He looked them straight in the eye and said "are you seriously threatening me with HEAVEN??"
For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Say what, mate??
After slightly over a month in Sydney I think it appropriate to deal with the “language/culture barrier” issue, not that there is an issue, or have I encountered much difficulty in being understood, or understanding. Here are some of my observations of the Aussies:
1. They are very friendly people. When I approach strangers for help, or sales people in shops, more often then not, I’ve been asked “How’s your day coming along” or “How are you” or “How are we doing today”. No doubt it is superficial, perfunctory formality, but you can’t deny their sincerity and genuine willingness to help.
I give customer service in Australia 5/5 stars, and Singapore 2/5. We’ve got a lot to learn from them.
2. They are very laid back people. “Laid-back-ness” is synonymous with Aussie culture. People are generally unfazed when faced with situations like slow service in check-out queues because cashiers are making small talk with customers, or mix ups/clashes in timetable, eating food off the ground (seriously), walking bare foot on public streets, to name a few. Their common response to such situations is to remark off-handedly “no worries, mate”!
Saying “no worries” is something I’ve grown accustomed to. Good training for patience. Heh.
3. They are very non-judgmental people. Aussies tend to let you be what/who you want to be, without judging you or alienating you. You can be gay, transvestite, Christian, a resident nerd, a single mom, or whatever, but people generally just let you be.
Its good in a way as people are tolerant towards each other. They may not be particularly friendly, but they are tolerant. It’s bad however (from a Christian perspective) as the lines of right and wrong are blurred and the benchmark of morality is subjective - the unfortunate result of a postmodern era I guess.
On a separate note, one thing that I had to get use to was the nuances in Aussie English, though English should be English regardless of where you are.
For example:
When picking up the phone/greeting friends, I’ve heard countless people say “G’day” instead of “Hello”. Seriously. I use to think it was a joke that people would say “G’day mate!” but they really say that. And you have to say it quick too, not deliberately pronouncing “good” and “day”, but kinda like “gooday”. It’s funny.
When asking “how you doing” (like what I’m use to) they say “how’s it goin’ ”. Why I don’t know, but they just do.
When asking you sign the receipt after paying for your goods they say “Can I just get you to sign the docket please”. Yeah, docket = receipt. I’ve never heard of any other brand of English using docket in place of receipt.
And lastly, my favourite, I was in the mall and walked past two girls who were talking. One girl said to the other “Man, my new thongs are really hurting me”. My eyes widened as I stared at them.
In lecture, this random guy went up to my Canadian friend and said, “Hey I really like your thong”. We looked at each other in horror.
After some time we realized that thong = slippers, sandals, tevas, havanas, etc…
D’oh!
1. They are very friendly people. When I approach strangers for help, or sales people in shops, more often then not, I’ve been asked “How’s your day coming along” or “How are you” or “How are we doing today”. No doubt it is superficial, perfunctory formality, but you can’t deny their sincerity and genuine willingness to help.
I give customer service in Australia 5/5 stars, and Singapore 2/5. We’ve got a lot to learn from them.
2. They are very laid back people. “Laid-back-ness” is synonymous with Aussie culture. People are generally unfazed when faced with situations like slow service in check-out queues because cashiers are making small talk with customers, or mix ups/clashes in timetable, eating food off the ground (seriously), walking bare foot on public streets, to name a few. Their common response to such situations is to remark off-handedly “no worries, mate”!
Saying “no worries” is something I’ve grown accustomed to. Good training for patience. Heh.
3. They are very non-judgmental people. Aussies tend to let you be what/who you want to be, without judging you or alienating you. You can be gay, transvestite, Christian, a resident nerd, a single mom, or whatever, but people generally just let you be.
Its good in a way as people are tolerant towards each other. They may not be particularly friendly, but they are tolerant. It’s bad however (from a Christian perspective) as the lines of right and wrong are blurred and the benchmark of morality is subjective - the unfortunate result of a postmodern era I guess.
On a separate note, one thing that I had to get use to was the nuances in Aussie English, though English should be English regardless of where you are.
For example:
When picking up the phone/greeting friends, I’ve heard countless people say “G’day” instead of “Hello”. Seriously. I use to think it was a joke that people would say “G’day mate!” but they really say that. And you have to say it quick too, not deliberately pronouncing “good” and “day”, but kinda like “gooday”. It’s funny.
When asking “how you doing” (like what I’m use to) they say “how’s it goin’ ”. Why I don’t know, but they just do.
When asking you sign the receipt after paying for your goods they say “Can I just get you to sign the docket please”. Yeah, docket = receipt. I’ve never heard of any other brand of English using docket in place of receipt.
And lastly, my favourite, I was in the mall and walked past two girls who were talking. One girl said to the other “Man, my new thongs are really hurting me”. My eyes widened as I stared at them.
In lecture, this random guy went up to my Canadian friend and said, “Hey I really like your thong”. We looked at each other in horror.
After some time we realized that thong = slippers, sandals, tevas, havanas, etc…
D’oh!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Spot your gift... Wow! You can cook?!
This is my desk in my sizable hostel room. I really can't complain about the size of the apartment. Its very spacious. So is my room. Thankfully! :) Doesn't my desk look "used"?? I've really made use of it to do my *ehem* WORK!
See if you can spot the following, haha:
1. The cow photo frame with a picture of Elliot and I. (I can't believe Elliot gave me a cow picture frame, without a picture mind you, and thought it was romantic!!) HAHAHAHAHA :P
2. The little black book that my bible study group at PUNJ gave me.
3. The pink water bottle that April gave me. (I love it ap, but it leaks!! So can't use it much unfortunately)
4. The 2007 diary that Keeevin and Carilyn gave me for me birthday last year. (It's come in VERY handy)
5. The violin books that Carl gave me to practise so that I can be a violinist like him! haha
6. The stash of food that's always kept in my room for my insatiable appetite.
I've also been cooking fairly regularly and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I even have an apron just to suit the role! HAHA!! Its fun creating your own dishes and having control over what you want to eat. I can cook whatever I feel like eating and make it as spicy/salty/sweet as I want it to be (some of the plus sides of cooking for yourself).
The hard thing about cooking for one person is that you have to enjoy your food alone, there's no one to say "that was yummy" haha, so I usually say it to myself HAHAHA (no surprises there heehee) and there's ALWAYS left-overs because its just so hard to cook small portions of food! Its actually easier to cook for more people. Of course anyone with any sort of cooking experience can tell me all this, but I found out on my own.
So I usually cook for two people, freeze the left-overs and eat it the next day! :)
This is (half) the salmon dish that I cooked (I ate the other half yesterday). Here's the idiot's guide to I've-never-cooked-never-ever-in-my-life recipe that I conjured on my own!!
INGREDIENTS
1 salmon cutlet
Chopped onions
Chopped tomatos
Chopped garlic
Chopped mushrooms. (I used the longish mushrooms, I think its shitake mushrooms?? No buttom mushrooms from a can please!! That's an abomination!!!)
Soy sauce for seasoning
Salt
Pepper
1/2 a lemon
1 Chilli
METHOD
1. Wake up early in the morning to wash and season the salmon. Make sure the salmon is already defrosted if it was kept in the freezer. I used Kikoman sauce to season the salmon, though you don't really need to do this, me thinks, cause salmon meat is quite tasty on its own.
2. At lunch time, pre heat the frying pan for a coupla seconds and pour a table-ish spoon of olive oil (it's healthy). Wait a few seconds for the pan and oil to heat up.
3. Put the garlic and onions into the frying pan. Use the frying slice to "fry". Once the garlic turns a little brown..
4. Put the salmon cutlet into the pan. (At this point you should be hearing a sizzling sound, I LOVE IT!! hahaha). The fire should be on low and not high, why I don't know, but its doesn't over cook the outside of the fish.
5. Wait a few seconds. Pour like a table spoon of soy sauce (depending on how much gravy you want at the end) and pour some water (depending on how much gravy you want at the end) haha
6. Add the tomatos, mushrooms and chilli.
7. Squeeze some juice from the lemon so that the gravy has a lemony flavour (DUH)
8. Cover the frying pan and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes.
9. I suppose you can turn the salmon over at some point. I don't know if this is necessary. But I do it just for fun. heh
VIOLA!! You're done!! Serve with rice and you've got a meal fit for a king!!! haha
Cooking is so fun and common sense. :) Thank God somewhere in my DNA, my mom's cooking gene got passed to me. Yay!
Someone please, amuse me, try this recipe and tell me how it went!!!
Friday, March 2, 2007
LATEST LATEST!! read all about it!!
Its been about 9 days since my arrival in Sydney. Figured the best way to update everyone is to come up with a list of questions that I'd anticipate people to ask. haha.
Just in case you think I'm wierd and talk to myself in the third person.
I do.
haha.
But only when I'm alone. So here goes...
Enjoy!!
Q: Have you been cooking?
A: Yes I have! Made chicken & mushroom with 'kecap manis', fried rice, and some other random dishes.
Q: Oh wow! I didn't know you could cook!
A: Haha, oh I don't. But I'm just experimenting. I tried to make steamed tofu with minced meat like how my mom does, but failed miserably. I had to throw everything away. :(
Q: So have you made lots of friends?
A: I've met people here and there. People in Sydney are generally very helpful so you just have to take the initiative to talk to people. :)
Q: Who are your flat mates?
A: At the moment I've got 3 other girls I'm staying with. Jacqui from Wollongong (which is 2 hours away from Sydney), Siam from India and Dashy from Sri Lanka.
Q: How's the church situation coming along?
A: Church has been great so far. I'm attending a church called The Bible Talks (TBT) which meets at St. Andrew's Cathedral, in the heart of Sydney City.
Q: What are some difficulties you're facing?
A: Nothing life threatening so far. Haha. Just learning to cope with doing my own cooking, washing my own clothes, making sure my room/the apartment is tidy.
Q: Wow! With so many things on your plate how are you going to cope with your studies?
A: Haha! Good question! I don't know really. Just take it one day at a time I guess. I'm really excited about starting school on Tuesday (6th March). I've met some of my lecturers. They've all left a positive impression on me so I really can't complain.
Q: Sorry, I forgot, what are you studying again?
A: I'm doing my Masters in Teaching.
Q: Oh! That's right! And what will you be teaching?
A: I'm enrolled for secondary social studies, commerce/economics.
Q: Social studies, commerce/economics??? I thought you wanted to teach English?
A: Yeah, that's what I thought too. But because I didn't do a BA in English, I didn't meet the requirements to be an English teacher. I can, however, teach Legal Studies (which is part of Social studies in the Sydney school system) and commerce/economics because I took come modules in uni.
Q: Oh I see! So will you be employable when you graduate?
A: Haha. I don't know. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
Q: How are you and Elliot coping with long distance (again, haha)?
A: We're doing good so far. He's been very supportive and patient with me as I settle in a new place.
Q: When will you guys see each other again?
A: Hopefully sometime end June. We're trying to gather some friends and we can all go snowboarding together! Anyone interested email me and I'll review it on a case by case basis. haha.
Q: Have you played your violin yet?
A: Haha!! Somehow I knew that question was coming! Many of you will be pleased to know that my violin's not tuned. So I can't play it just yet. But I will soon!! MUAHAHAHHAAHA!!
Q: Will you be uploading pictures on your blog soon?
A: I'd love to. But I still don't have internet connection in my room. Once I get that sorted I'll try to upload some pictures.
Q: What is one important lesson you've learnt in your 9 days in Sydney so far?
A: Ive learnt to humbly rely on others for help, that I can't always be stubbornly independent and so everything on my own.
Q: Is there any one you'd like to thank for helping you settle in Sydney?
A: Oh yes! Definitely! There's Edmund and Mei who so graciously drove me around the first few days just so I could set up my bank account, handphone etc... There's Roger and Mayhsin for letting my stay with them the first few days. Deb and Den for bringing me to Kmart to buy stuff (and letting me use their internet to blog haha). CC and Glorya for hanging out with me, calling me and just being there so I know that you're there if I'm in a life threatening situation.
Thanks so much guys!!
Q: Lastly, is there anything we can we can pray for?
A: Yes please. Thank God that I'm coping well with the many changes in my life and my routine. I'm a bit overwhelmed at times, there are so many different things on my mind and I'll spend the whole night worrying about it. But I'm learning. Learning to rejoice in the Lord and not be anxious about anything but to rely on him through prayer. (Philippians 4:4-7)
Q: Cool!! Thanks for sparing us the time to do this interview!
A: Its been a pleasure. Thanks! :)
Just in case you think I'm wierd and talk to myself in the third person.
I do.
haha.
But only when I'm alone. So here goes...
Enjoy!!
Q: Have you been cooking?
A: Yes I have! Made chicken & mushroom with 'kecap manis', fried rice, and some other random dishes.
Q: Oh wow! I didn't know you could cook!
A: Haha, oh I don't. But I'm just experimenting. I tried to make steamed tofu with minced meat like how my mom does, but failed miserably. I had to throw everything away. :(
Q: So have you made lots of friends?
A: I've met people here and there. People in Sydney are generally very helpful so you just have to take the initiative to talk to people. :)
Q: Who are your flat mates?
A: At the moment I've got 3 other girls I'm staying with. Jacqui from Wollongong (which is 2 hours away from Sydney), Siam from India and Dashy from Sri Lanka.
Q: How's the church situation coming along?
A: Church has been great so far. I'm attending a church called The Bible Talks (TBT) which meets at St. Andrew's Cathedral, in the heart of Sydney City.
Q: What are some difficulties you're facing?
A: Nothing life threatening so far. Haha. Just learning to cope with doing my own cooking, washing my own clothes, making sure my room/the apartment is tidy.
Q: Wow! With so many things on your plate how are you going to cope with your studies?
A: Haha! Good question! I don't know really. Just take it one day at a time I guess. I'm really excited about starting school on Tuesday (6th March). I've met some of my lecturers. They've all left a positive impression on me so I really can't complain.
Q: Sorry, I forgot, what are you studying again?
A: I'm doing my Masters in Teaching.
Q: Oh! That's right! And what will you be teaching?
A: I'm enrolled for secondary social studies, commerce/economics.
Q: Social studies, commerce/economics??? I thought you wanted to teach English?
A: Yeah, that's what I thought too. But because I didn't do a BA in English, I didn't meet the requirements to be an English teacher. I can, however, teach Legal Studies (which is part of Social studies in the Sydney school system) and commerce/economics because I took come modules in uni.
Q: Oh I see! So will you be employable when you graduate?
A: Haha. I don't know. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.
Q: How are you and Elliot coping with long distance (again, haha)?
A: We're doing good so far. He's been very supportive and patient with me as I settle in a new place.
Q: When will you guys see each other again?
A: Hopefully sometime end June. We're trying to gather some friends and we can all go snowboarding together! Anyone interested email me and I'll review it on a case by case basis. haha.
Q: Have you played your violin yet?
A: Haha!! Somehow I knew that question was coming! Many of you will be pleased to know that my violin's not tuned. So I can't play it just yet. But I will soon!! MUAHAHAHHAAHA!!
Q: Will you be uploading pictures on your blog soon?
A: I'd love to. But I still don't have internet connection in my room. Once I get that sorted I'll try to upload some pictures.
Q: What is one important lesson you've learnt in your 9 days in Sydney so far?
A: Ive learnt to humbly rely on others for help, that I can't always be stubbornly independent and so everything on my own.
Q: Is there any one you'd like to thank for helping you settle in Sydney?
A: Oh yes! Definitely! There's Edmund and Mei who so graciously drove me around the first few days just so I could set up my bank account, handphone etc... There's Roger and Mayhsin for letting my stay with them the first few days. Deb and Den for bringing me to Kmart to buy stuff (and letting me use their internet to blog haha). CC and Glorya for hanging out with me, calling me and just being there so I know that you're there if I'm in a life threatening situation.
Thanks so much guys!!
Q: Lastly, is there anything we can we can pray for?
A: Yes please. Thank God that I'm coping well with the many changes in my life and my routine. I'm a bit overwhelmed at times, there are so many different things on my mind and I'll spend the whole night worrying about it. But I'm learning. Learning to rejoice in the Lord and not be anxious about anything but to rely on him through prayer. (Philippians 4:4-7)
Q: Cool!! Thanks for sparing us the time to do this interview!
A: Its been a pleasure. Thanks! :)
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Saying goodbye is hard to do...
Today is officially my last day in Singapore.
Give me some time to let it sink in.
My last day in Singapore...
Tomorrow, my life as I know it will change drastically.
New friends, new environment, new food, new church, new school, new home, new boyfriend (HAHAHA kidding kidding :P I'm kidding only la!!!).
God willing, the one thing that won't change will be my love for Him and desire to live a life worthy of the Gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). Everyone back home, it is YOUR job to keep me accountable on that!!
To all my friends who've made so much of a difference in my life, thank you and keep in touch. I can't name names, there would be too many, there are SO many joyful moments, tears, laughter and countless sweet memories that would stay with me for awhile yet. :)
Braced with a sense of adventure and wholly reliant on God's providence, Sydney, HERE I COME!!!!!!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
some special people...
Maggie and I at NUS canteen!
Ruth with her bright blue shirt and mo-mo beads hahah
Mavis and I!!
I thought this was a nice night shot. heh.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Some things that I will NOT miss about Singapore
The disturbing trend of people not giving up their seats on buses and the MRT to people who need it more than them has been around for awhile. I get really riled and agitated when people don't graciously take the inititive to give up their seats to the elderly or pregnant ladies.
On the MRT on my way home today, I had to give up my seat not once, not twice, but THREE times to the more needy. Not that I'm complaining (or trying to show off my charitable side) - I'm more than happy to stand and let someone else sit. What irked me was that no one else bothered to offer their seats!!
There were two secondary school students (from a relatively renowned school, though school, class or soci-economic background is not an excuse for ungraciousness) who were standing, and next to them was an old man who was so obviously struggling to stand during the train ride. (At this point I had already given my seat up and therefore, had no seat to give)
Two girls alighted at the next stop, leaving two empty seats. The two secondary boys, instead of alerting the old man to the seat, dashed to the vacated seats saying to one another "Ah! seats, sit sit, lets take a seat!!"
I was absolutely disgusted!!
What's troubling is that this is not an isolated incident! IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME!!!
What's the point of Singapore progressing so quickly, with our economy (supposedly) growing leaps and bounds, when society in general is completely apathetic to the needs of the elderly in simple day to day situations?
When I become a full blown teacher, I'm going to make sure the students in my class are taught generousity and graciousness and hopefully they'll be useful members of society.
I will do the same for my offspring.
I hope my friends will do the same.
I hope those reading this will be initiated enough to offer their seats to the needy, instead of selfishly dashing for the first available seat like its their right to be there.
On the MRT on my way home today, I had to give up my seat not once, not twice, but THREE times to the more needy. Not that I'm complaining (or trying to show off my charitable side) - I'm more than happy to stand and let someone else sit. What irked me was that no one else bothered to offer their seats!!
There were two secondary school students (from a relatively renowned school, though school, class or soci-economic background is not an excuse for ungraciousness) who were standing, and next to them was an old man who was so obviously struggling to stand during the train ride. (At this point I had already given my seat up and therefore, had no seat to give)
Two girls alighted at the next stop, leaving two empty seats. The two secondary boys, instead of alerting the old man to the seat, dashed to the vacated seats saying to one another "Ah! seats, sit sit, lets take a seat!!"
I was absolutely disgusted!!
What's troubling is that this is not an isolated incident! IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME!!!
What's the point of Singapore progressing so quickly, with our economy (supposedly) growing leaps and bounds, when society in general is completely apathetic to the needs of the elderly in simple day to day situations?
When I become a full blown teacher, I'm going to make sure the students in my class are taught generousity and graciousness and hopefully they'll be useful members of society.
I will do the same for my offspring.
I hope my friends will do the same.
I hope those reading this will be initiated enough to offer their seats to the needy, instead of selfishly dashing for the first available seat like its their right to be there.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
A string of farewells
Have had the privilege to meet friends here and there to say bye before I go. (Gasp! Only a week left in Singapore!!) The most memorable farewell would have to be the "Back to School" themed one. Where the PUNJers were sporting enough to wear their old school uniforms! haha!! Here are some pictures. Enjoy!
Some of the dudes and dudette from my JC. We went to Settlers Cafe at Holland Village and played random games. Fun!
This is a balloon that the Young Ones from PUNJ gave me. It says "wild about you". Aww.. So sweet. Makes my heart melt. Hopefully (and I know they're reading this) they'll continue growing in Christ and next time they'll be doing bible studies for my kids!! haha HINT HINT scholarSSS!!
The Young Ones (plus some wannabes) from my bible study group in PUNJ
As punishment for not wearing a uniform, Gabe had to don the RGS pinafore!!! HAHAHA!!! (Sorry ap, heh :P )
Jac and Tim and Tim's Props!! The memo jazz pager and the old school Errison handphones were so IN back in the day!!
A class photo. Aww.. Look at that. Everyone in their old school uniforms. Sweet memories! :)
Some of the dudes and dudette from my JC. We went to Settlers Cafe at Holland Village and played random games. Fun!
This is a balloon that the Young Ones from PUNJ gave me. It says "wild about you". Aww.. So sweet. Makes my heart melt. Hopefully (and I know they're reading this) they'll continue growing in Christ and next time they'll be doing bible studies for my kids!! haha HINT HINT scholarSSS!!
The Young Ones (plus some wannabes) from my bible study group in PUNJ
As punishment for not wearing a uniform, Gabe had to don the RGS pinafore!!! HAHAHA!!! (Sorry ap, heh :P )
Jac and Tim and Tim's Props!! The memo jazz pager and the old school Errison handphones were so IN back in the day!!
A class photo. Aww.. Look at that. Everyone in their old school uniforms. Sweet memories! :)
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
A day at the zoo!!
I finally had the chance to visit the zoo. For those who've never been there, the Singapore Zoo is a MUST SEE!! The animal shows are much better than the ones I've seen elsewhere. It's comprehensive and very nicely done up. It feels like you've been taken away from the bustle of city life in Singapore and placed in tranquility among various animals and plants. Here are some photos. National Geographic should hire me to take pictures for them. heh.
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