My sweeties, cuties and lovelies of 2006

People always ask me, "eh what you do on Sunday? I mean... how can church take such a long time?" Here is a glimpse of the angels I hang out with on Sundays... aren't they such cutie-little-things? *Aw...

This was taken during our february gathering when they were really angelic...Haa... still fresh from children's church.



Now they look slightly different.... just 6 months and they have grown *poof* wonder what they ate? Haaa could just be the nourishment of the word of GOD. *Wink.

Here's Gabrielle.


From Left: Suhui, Meiyi, Cassandra and Stella
Talk about Stella, 13 years old, standing in front of a big R-age crowd and shared a her testimony about how the Holy Spirit used her to pray for people during the last mission trip. Wow! And How apt. as this girl challenge us from 1 Tim 4:12. Truly 'let no man despise thy youth...'



And here we have, From left: Janice, Grace, Suhui and Hannah.

Grace: A great Maple friend but whats so encouraging about her life? She brought Jesus to Maple and brought Maple to CHURCH. Since January this girl has been bringing so many of her Maple friends for service and Praise the Lord that one of them accepted Christ today!!!

Wonder where are the boys? Haa here are my two handsomes - Shaoming and Joel Tang... its so enjoyable just talking to them. Try it if you have yet known them. As you can see that they are struggling to take picture with me? Ha. YUP! I FORCE them... but i like.. hiak hiak

Well.. after much persuasion and 'begging' haa a second picture come into existence.Ha.

Love ya guys!

Adventure Camp.

This is Shaoying. We were so bored!!?! Thank God for her companion.
Hey girl, sorry for being hyper at times. Can't help it!! yeee HAH.

Can u see soowei hanging from a tree? Yes! I was really bored. Ha.

But actually, this thingy is kind of fun. Ha. Thank God for cheap thrills....;)

Soar on Wings Like Eagles.

Besides dogs, *grins* adapting to changes would be the next big thing that stresses me out. As I embark on this new phase in life, I am just so filled with both fear and excitement but I do know that the Lord is with me. :) That assures me lots. Imagine going to school alone? New colleagues? New environment? New students? New authorities? New rules? New protocals? Its just alot of uncertainties and uneasiness. As I was pondering about all those, as usual, the Lord once again comforted me with the eagles. :)

I believe Pat and some of my other NIE friends would be able to vouch that each time I was stressed out, burdened or simply tired, God would show me eagles soaring the sky. Its beautiful, tell you. Seen it at Sentosa , a couple of times from NIE library (Hey Pat, remember?) The most recent was just a few days back at Labrador Park.

I was supposed to be at the Adventure Campsite but Shaoying and I lost our way as we thought it was at labrador park itself... *Pouts* But its alright, if i din lose my way, I won't be able to see the eagles. Not 1, not 2 but 4!!!! As I saw the eagles spreading out their wings and soaring effortlessly in the sky with such freedom and ease, my heart was lifted up. You might ask whats so special about seeing eagles soaring? To me, its of great significance cos it would usually remind me of Isaiah (a book in the bible) Chapter 40. This portion of the scripture tells us of the incomparable greatness of our Lord. It mentioned that those who waits upon HIM; who understands His greatness and awesomeness will soar on wings like eagles.

How can we run and not feel faint? How can we walk and not grow tired? There are many points in my life when I felt tired and burdened. Its often then i realised that i need to once again relook at God creation, recall His greatness, realise His power and finally be reassured by His faithfulness and who He claims to be - God.

S.I.S.O

My Carebear Friend. ONLY edition. Dun envy me for having one.

This is my carebear friend, for all who have yet seen her or know her... *TaDAH* Carebear stares! Took this picture at our friend's wedding and just realised that we have so FEW pictures. Really pathetic... eh maybe someday we should just go out and take pictures. Haaa... Anyway here she is! This cute little darling of mine is not just sweet looking but also sweet natured, sweet minded and sweet everything. Hmm.. should i call you "sugar friend" from now on? Haaa...BTW, Vincent, count yourself very blessed to have found a gem. :)

Besides God and Jie, She is one who stood by me regardless of how irritating I can get. *Wink* Actually, how irritating can i be right?hmmmm...One who understands my every frown and fear and supported and encouraged me when I failed. Thanks Carebear friend. :) I really thank God for a friend like you cos you are so dear to me, I will never forget how God brought u into my life. Yes with all those blunders and I was totally embarrassed but I guess trading all that for your friendship is so worth it. Love ya.

Father's Love Letter.

Celebrated Father's day? Nothing beats reading about the heartbeat of the Father. His passion for you...

*click on the title to read about the Fathers' Love.

Dorcas Back!

So glad to see this girl back in Singapore but yes soon... *poof* and she is going away again. But it was great hearing her talking about "kim CHI". Hmm... dor, so delicious right? *wink* Anyway, the trip can be quite dangerous so let's remember her in prayers as she journeys to Russia. :) See you in 2 months time.

Move from Independence of to dependent on GOD.

This morning I felt was so laden cos I felt so helpless. Not knowing what to do next, how to strategize, it was a 'bottle-neck' feeling. But the Lord spoke to me so much as Enzheng and I prayed. Hey it was great praying with you for the ministry. :) When all else fails? Look to the Lord in prayer. Though we should, instead, look to the Lord in prayer first before all else fails.

Well... just remembered this quote from one of my favorite poems, "At Wits End's Corner". One of the lines went, "...At wits end's corner, my burden bearer stand..." This brings so much comfort knowing that we can do so little but God can "do immeasurably great things". We can feel so burdened but GOd says that "His yoke is light", we can be lost but He said He is "the way", we are so incompetent but we know that "we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength". Thank God for His faithfulness and His greatness!!

Justin's preaching further emphasised on what God has already spoken to me prior to the service, i.e "depend on Him." Justin mentioned it so well, move back from being independence of GOd to dependent on GOd. Reminded once again that "Unless the Lord builds the house, the laborers labour in vain..."

'Food-ing' the whole day again!

The day before was great. The supposed English breakfast with Cher turned out to be lunch. But it was rather English too cos the dishes she cooked were the ones the learnt in UK from na na. :)

Cher, its really sweet of you to prepare such a sumptous meal for me though a little "giam" but the effort you put in to cook them has sweetened everything. Erm.. so when is the next time? *grins* Wished we had more time to really talk about things and issues. Will do so soon right? :) Thanks once again for the meal it was lovely.

It was a day when i struggled with whether i should do work or meet up with jie. But yes of course! Jie gets the priority. Love you jie. Outing with her was great, we ended up catching up over a cup of coffee and a NUTELLA cupcake from TOAST at taka. Highly recommended. Economical and super yummy + its not crowded. Nice place for a good chill out time. Sharing with Jie is precious cos she is no longer staying with me. Still misses you daily...

If you think my 'food-ing' day ended there, you are very wrong. Soowei went on with Jie to meet our fav Aunty Cindy whom we have not meet for the longest time. We ended up at SAKAI for dinner. Its one of the nicest Thai food i have ever eaten. So yummy k. I will give it like 10 stars.*Slurps* I will be back for that olive rice. Its superb!

Day ended with a call from an angel.

To my Angel: Thanks for calling at the right time and allowing me to know that God remembers me. :)Thanks for sharing that load.

Sentosa 130606

This was how soowei got her burns. :) Yuppity from playing Frisbee and Twister under the sun. Smart right? Sun block on hands and legs and all but not the back. *Sigh.
But anyway it was still fun cos we did nothing but play. Haa.. Thanks girl for making this outing such a fun one. I really enjoyed seeing Celina playing frisbee man. She was how pro la?! Should have captured that on a video.

Anyway nothing beats the picture that was drawn below right? I so think I am gifted. Lol. Erm of course with Pat's and Cherine's gentle touch too, I think this is so cute. Maybe when i am poor i will bring this out to sell. Haa am sure it can fetch a bit..

Regeneration 06 - Thank God for these Girls.

Back Row From Left: Valerie, Jiaxin and Eunice
Front Row From Left: Shin Yee

Yes the Polaroid picture!!! The one which we took like 5 times cos there are 5 of us. And yup guess what? The 'suhui smile' appears the same in each of the 5. How pro right? *wink*

Anyway I had so much fun just eating cakes (erm yes 5 cakes!!!) praying, gospel sharing, talking with these girls. They are just so crazy la, talk about talking non-stop haa...

Its was really encouraging seeing them shared the gospel with all their might despite their language difficulty and their fear of rejections. It was such a pleasant sight seeing them do all they could to simply deliver the gospel to the people. I was blessed as I saw them grow more and more in love with GOD as the days go by during the retreat. Praying that this growth will not cease. :)
Hey girls, thanks for being there in the retreat and being that blessing to me in big and small ways.

Regeneration 06 - Uncle James + Aunty Sow Ching

This is Uncle James + Aunty Sow Ching. Got to travel with them to and fro from the retreat and it was such a pleasant encounter. We barely knew each other but i felt so loved when I was with them. I guess its just so overflowing cos they love God.

I love the way they laugh, talk about their ministries, grandchildren and definitely their hugs that consist of 100% genuine love and simply irrrr...resistable. :) Its such a blessing just getting to know them. Thank God for creating 2 such lovely treasures...

Regeneration 06 - Spiritual Disciplines.

B. Fasting, Prayer and Evangelism

How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news...

Pastor Ronald asked: "Would you have the initiative to share the gospel with someone even if there were no street E program being placed in the program?"

My heart went: "No, Evangelism did not cross my mind at all during retreat". :(

I was ashamed as I responded to that question. Truthfully, Evangelism is not my heartbeat as yet. Not strong enough a passion. Til now, it has only been an obligation. But I want to move beyond that. I want it to be a passion, my heartbeat cos that is the very heartbeat of GOD - that all shall come to know Him and that none should perish. I want to be conscious of it and to be very mindful that at every finger snaps someone dies without knowing Jesus. I want to feel the heart ache of God each time I meet someone who is disinterested to know Him. I want to have that compassion that would move and compel me beyond the obligatory emotion to share the gospel when I meet a pre-believer. I want it to be my second nature, one of my spiritual habits and my constant prayer item. I realised I am not doing enough and I needed to do more.


Lord, help me, Lord.

Regeneration 06 - Spiritual Disciplines.

A. Silence

This was the day when I had to look after Valarie. She was running a temp of 39 degrees and was so weak after taking the medication that totally *KOngz her out. My heart ached as I saw her even having difficulties when attempting to clean herself. But thank God she is once again healthy and able to jump and praise the Lord. :) As I was constantly worried about how she was, inevitably, I found it difficult trying to be silent. The issue wasn't the physical 'silence' - i.e Just shut up and stop talking. Rather, the challenge was getting my heart to "be still", "be quiet" before the Lord and to hear His voice.

So, i decided to leave her alone for a while and went back to my room to get some rest. While sleeping, the Lord encountered me. While my mind was totally as rest and not being worried about Val, He showed me a vision, a vision of the ministry. I was very conscious as I woke up tearing and felt that heavy burden upon my heart. I prayed to the Lord and questioned if what I saw was truly the condition of the ministry. It was tough for me to reconcile the fact that yes, r-age is not as 'healthy' as I thought it to be.

The service followed on was beyond my imagination. Cos it seemed like the Lord was performing a 'surgery' in our hearts. He was taking out the rotten and the contaminated to return to us a strengthened and healthy body. I am not contented with what has happened in the retreat. I believe the Lord is going to do so much more in our lives as we allow Him to.
I am excited about what the Lord is doing and is going to do in R-age.
Truly, Let's live up to our name, R-age, Lets Redeem a Generation for Eternity. :)

Thank you ...

Today I heard one of the sweetest statements made. Its not about how beautiful I am, *clears throat* which I often get affirmed as i look at myself in the mirror each morning. Hiak hiak. Definitely not about my intelligence though i have loads of that too.. *blush *blush.

Alright back to that statement which REALLY made my day. It goes like this:
"... thank you for sharing the gospel with me..."

Tell you. When i heard that, my heart went, "thank God you received Christ! For the hour is really near."

Glory to God that one more soul is added to the kingdom of God. Hallelujah! Eeee ... HAh!

"The gospel is eternal but we haven't eternity to preach it."

Reinhard Bonnke

Da Vinci Code. The truth?

This is cute and hilarious but the real TRUTH. Check it out. :)
*Click on the title.

Born with a destiny.

Have you ever wonder why you are on this earth?
Have you ever thought of why you are not a chiku tree or say a bumble bee?
Have you ever felt that you are like robot;
work all day and yet never seemed to be able to find a purpose in what you are doing? - You simply feel so manipulated by the systems of this world?

I believe many people have but i don't cos i so know that i am born with a destiny in God and for a divine purpose. Why so?

As a baby, God preserved my life. I could have not been born and in fact there could be no soowei on this earth (how bad can that be? Can't imagine...Hehe) if not for His timely intervention. It was God who saved me from the near death incident while i was in my mother's womb. WOW! What revelation, before we were born and our mummies see our wrinkled face and hear our first shrieking cry, there is actually this someone out there who know us! One who is bothered about our lives and has paved a destiny for each of us if we seek to find it in Him.

God bothered about me. God kept me alive. He saved me.

Each time i celebrate my birthday, i think about this grace that God had showered upon my life and that reminded me of my destiny in Him. It was yesterday when once again I was thankful to God for giving me the breath to live each day so that i may bring glory to Him. I thank God that He allowed me to see the purpose of my life in Him and have preserved my life to showcase His glory. Hmm.. who am I but one who is made from dust and to dust i will return one day? I? Showcase the glory of God? Yes. God choose to work through each of us, IF, we allow Him too.

If you are breathing today, its good to begin thinking about who is the one who provides you with that daily breath of grace that you can wake up each morning knowing that you are not dead yet.

3 things on this earth that will never fade away and I seek to invest in them:

a. Soul of man (therefore love those around you)
b. The word of GOD.
c. God himself for He is the beginning and the End. He is eternal.

Its worth the investment cos if what we are living for on a daily basis have no eternal value then we are really making a risky investment that will only reap temporary gains where rust and moth could destroy one day. Let's lead a life that is temporary now but for an eternal purpose. :)

You are not here by accidents my friends. :)
So are you any step nearer to your destiny?
There must be more than this...

What a fun-filled day. 10 of us! 9 roses (yes linnie, /rousiz/ haaa) and 1 thorn amongst us. Hey Liyang, dun you just feel so privileged? We went for chicken rice at REX and then head for my fav Rochor Daohui (yes, by then soowei felt super STUFFED but its rochor daohui u know? How can i resist right?) and then MINDs Cafe. That is the very place where all of us who went in with a beautiful voice came out with one that is husky and sexy. Why so? Cos we literally screamed and shouted as though we are going to tear down the house!!!?!!! But how to resist right? Playing with soowei!!! LOL. Ok this monologue is beginning to sound very narcissitic.

Anyway, its just some board games and they can be BORED games if i played without the great companions that I had tonight. As i went round to take some pictures while some of you are engross playing GESTURES, I saw how the Lord blessed me with such great friends for the past 4 years. As we part and move into another phase of our life, here's something that i would really like to say to you all:

1. Patricia Lee Xue Fen
Yes, thats how i would usually call you. Haa... remember it that way ok? Cos i believe no one else who ever cross your path is going to call you as affectionately as i would. *Wink. Thanks for all the free rides these years and being my 'secretary' at times and helping me with my bearings each time i get lost in NIE. Lol. Wonder how come i would but yes, when assignments set in, i usually walk around blindly. Thanks for being my 'walking stick' and guiding me around. Thank you also for teaching me all about cars and of cos the gadgets. Would miss drinking coffee with you and discussin about our flat whites. He he.

2. Celina Chew Chew Chew
Once again, i believe no one would also call you the way i do. Lol. Thank you for brining so much joy into my life the past 4 years with your crappiness. Crappy as it may be but yup, they are farnie! Thank you for being opened with me and let me know that i can be trusted. Would miss your laughters cos they are contagious. So keep that going eh? :)

3. Cherine
Each time i think of you, i can't help but to recall the way you joined our clique. Lol. It is so farnie but i so know that it is how the Lord created for us that opportunity to meet and ultimately, you came to know the Lord. Am just amazed at the way the Lord crafted this friendship. :) Would not really miss you cos i am going to see you weekly... keke. :) Yeah!

4. Linnie
From contract teaching to NIE. WHoa! See how our frienship grew? Seriously, throughout these years, i saw how you mature and yup am proud to say that you are no longer baby but lady.. oh yeah. Btw, i really enjoyed your singing. Its captivating and yes, in my heart you are the NIE Idol. Can't wait to have that chance to pick up my h/p and sms a vote for you on some Singapore Idol competition or something. :) Will miss your smiles, singing and definitely your animated and witty comments... you never fail to break a smile out of my frowns. :)

5. Hanis
Thanks for your invitation to your place for Hari Raya the last time, had a great time feasting and thank you for taking the effort to book this cafe for us to have our hair let down and such a fun time together. Its really nice hearing the way you love ur guy despite his erm, you know? Shower gel? Water? Aiyah you know what i mean. That love is unconditional and its termed agape in greek, it is very powerful. Stay that way. :) Would miss your courage when making brave retorts during lectures/tutorials. :)

6. Banu a.k.a Juvaira
How is stiff neck coming along? Your blurrness never fails to make me laugh. :)
"Hmm... i want to see the cards. " Ju said with such innocence tonight as we played Gestures and she was standing right behind her own team members. *Wink. No worries girl, still love you the same. Yes, would miss your gentleness.

7. Hah Hah...
As you read this i believe you must be fuming mad!! Stamping feet and smiling without showing your little oriental eyes haaa but yes, in my heart you are still my HAh HAH. Yes, once again i believe no one would ever call u that. Keke. Joanna, Thanks for being that practical lady who would often remind and challenge me to think twice before i act. :) Thanks for teaching me to appreciate chinese a little more as i hear you "sh sh shua shua" with all the idioms and phrases which many a times, i dun really understand. But erm... learning. :) It was fun baking at your place some years back, dun think i would ever forget that. It is stored in my 'sweet memories' bank. :) Would miss your intelligence and your dilligence in doing work that has greatly motivated me in doing mine.

8. Amy
Am just amazed at your flexibility, graceful dance movements and yes, you are made for that dance floor. :) Of cos not to mentioned, your alertness tonight as we played Snorta. You are fast man! Haa.. From your life, i learnt independence as well. And once again, i am so thankful to have you in the Kingdom of God. You can't imagine the joy I have each time i see you say your 'grace' and talk about church. God just has His ways isn't it? :)

9. Liyang
Hi there Mr Sim. :) Thank you for your constant affirmations throughout the past 4 years and not to mention all the "not- funny-at- all" Leo's jokes. He he. Thank you also for sharing with me all the interesting tricks which erm yes, by now i can only perform one. Oh yes, not to mentioned introducing Joey to me. He is great! WOW! I think i would miss him in fact i do though just that, it comes with a little fear haa.. Thank you for once being there when i just needed to be heard. Appreciates that too.

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17

Time to say goodbye.

In a blink of an eye, 4 years has past. Its a good 4 solid years. One of the very thing I would miss when i leave NIE is definitely, all the assignments, projects and exams. *sobs crocodile tears* Nah, not that! :) But i would definitely miss the freedom, friendships and fun that i had in NIE.

Freedom

Just today, i came so close with the reality that i am seriously going to start work soon that it got me thanking God for giving me 4 years of freedom to serve Him with all the time that i had.
I knew that i had to report work starting 22nd May but it did not occur to me that that very day marks the end of my complete freedom in doing what i want with my life; especially so in the area of serving in Church. *sigh* Now i would have to apply for leaves and seek for approval from my Principal and heads. Would really miss that freedom. The freedom of simply doing what i wanna do without seeking approvals. But thank GOD that i once it. Have said this umpteenth times but I guess the best time to serve the Lord is really when we are young and still studying cos though we could be busy and have NO time but we have the flexibility to manage to manage our time ourselves. Will miss this freedom.

Friends
Below is a picture taken while we were in year 2. Guess what were we suppose to do? Queue up cos there was a fire drill!!! If its a real one, i guess we would all be roasted while posing for this picture. Well those were the fun times.

From Left to Right: Cherine, Azlin, Hanis, Pat and Soowei.

So what happened to us after 4 years?

Nothing changed except that we have all grown more gorgeous. :)

From Left Row 1:
Hanis, Azlin, Soowei, Pat

From Left Row 2:
Liyang, celina, Cherine, Amy

Absent:
Juvaira and Joanna

Fun
Let me recall...

1. Flat white by Uncle Max and Auntie Pauline. Wow! How many cups have we drank over the years huh? Pat? 1,2,3 ... wah countless haa.
2. my fav walnut cookie from the school cafe
3. Working in the library from til dusk and late nights. Din know soowei was so studious right?
4. Project at the Kiln and met a green snake!!! Amy and Liyang, the 2 brave souls.
5. Practicums. How can i miss that?
6. Making my pupils create a "fungi insect". I had fun just watching them making it.
7. Posing while we are so free. Yes, our usual past time.*wink*

Daddy Hunky and Mummy Gorgeous.

Since young, I would often feigned to fall asleep in the car or the couch and he would carry me in his strong arms back to my bed. I am so sure, by previous experiences he would have known that I just wanted to feel spoilt and be carried back to bed but he still did it anyway. That was Daddy.

"Cannot go for mission trips!"
"Why must you travel alone?"
"Have enough money or not?"
Sounds possessive? This is my Daddy. :)

"Ok, where are you? I am coming to pick you up."
"Come, I drive you to see a doctor."
"Bought you curry puff, go eat it..."
Sounds caring? This is my Daddy.

"Wah, how come spend so much money? Spend on the necessary ok? Money difficult to earn."
"Hmm, this t-shirt is $23, far too expensive, help me see have cheaper ones or not?"
"I walked out today and took 157, save on taxi fare."
Scrimp and Save? - for our sake. This is my Daddy.

"Hey has mum taken her medicine?"
"Buy this la, mummy likes..."
"Get a radio for mummy la, hers is not working, heard some 'zz zzz' sound some days back..."
Loving Husband? This is my Daddy.

For the past few days, without the television, I really got to spend alot more time with Dad. Once again I was so reminded of the things that he had sacrificially given to the family. I felt so blessed simply recounting them. I wanted so much to say, "dad i love you" and then give him a big huge hug but i hesitated.

It is so much easier hugging mummy gorgeous compared to daddy hunky. Hmm.. why so? Well, it was difficult at first too but it just got easier each time i tried and now its natural hugging mummy gorgeous and saying , "i love you" and then thick-skinly awaits the gentle, "i love you too" from her. :)

Anyway, its mothers' day. We had a simple dinner and dad, mum and i went shopping ding ding. Both were happy and when we got back home, i just whispered for mummy gorgeous to come into my room cos i realised i needed to learn to verbalise my love for her. I did. Gave her a huggy big hug and thanked her for all the things that she had done for me since i was a baby. I asked if i could say a prayer of blessings for her. Mum agreed!!! I teared. Wah how emotional right? Cos as i prayed and thanked God for bringing mummy into my life, i was just overwhelmed by the million and one thing that she had done for me and the family for the past years. I just wanted to appreciate her.

It is definitely not at all my family culture to hug and kiss and say the lurvy durvies. But i loved them so much that i wanna share with them the Jesus' culture and that is the culture of love. I guess i would just have to work on verbalising the 3 words to Daddy hunky now.

At least for now, "I love you, dad."

Our only 'commonness' - Jesus.

This is Chee Yan (I so knew i got the spelling wrong, but well just can't rem. ha). Had such a great time sharing with her about ministry, prayers and simply my life. How long have I known her? Barely 24 hours actually. So What made me share? What made her share? Our only common-ness? Jesus. :) I thank God for creating that divine opportunity for us to be friends and truly, its such a joy to know this friend and simply blessed to hear what God has been doing in and through her life. She is one who is passtionate about what God has in store for her and simply chose to obey what she has heard from the Lord despite what people have been telling her. *salutes*


Chee yan, thanks for having the lovely thought of buying me dinner on my last day in Perth. It was such sweet gesture and til we meet again, May the Lord protects and watch over you. :)

After a nice dinner with Chee Yan, dearest Dor came to join us and we ended up at Oriel again. The Cafe which i first visited on my first day in Perth. You wouldn't wanna know the amount of cakes we ate. Ha. :)

Disconnected. Connected.

The moment the plane took flight, my heart was so filled with excitement. Cos I felt so disconnected with the world that i am living in. Disconnected from phones, work and family (oops! *wink) burdens, tiredness and laptop! haa etc and simply getting ready to be connected with GOD once again in this retreat. Its just an awesome feeling and indescribable anticipation.

One of the most exciting moments as I woke up each morning is to look through the sliding door and stare a little further at the serene river that is just outside Dorcas' house. Its beautiful. Its such a luxury to be able to admire this gorgeous creation of GOd's as I spent time reading His word and connecting with Him. Then again, the very priviledge of being to spend time with God everywhere that I go since He is an omnipresence God, in itself is a luxury. Cos in His presence there is fullness of joy and pleasures evermore. hmm.... :)

Talking about disconnection, I am still experiencing it now. When I came back, my television was down. Wonder what really happened but anyway its down at the RIGHT time. The very Saturday when i got back, i brought my parents and ah ma for the parents' night dinner organised by my church. There was this guy called Su Zhi Ming who shared his life testimony. He was an ex-drug addict for 20 over years and who eventually had a transformed life after he gave his life to Jesus. My dad was listening attentively to him cos his life resembled a little of my brother's i guessed. He enjoyed the hokkien songs which Bro Su performed. So i bought the CD home.

The disconnection with the television brought so much boredom to my dad. But I helped him get connected with what he has really been missing out in Life - Jesus. *grins* Without the TV, there was a great silence back home but it was so filled with my sharings during dinner time and since i yakked so much, the dinner time lengthened. Haa.. not a bad thing after all cos dad and mum gets to hear about my day and i get to find out more about theirs. After dinner, i simply put in Bro Su's CD and played it loud enough for them to hear. Dad walked into my room and started meddling with the bass sound. He then sat on my bed and started listening to the gospel music!!! Afterwhich, i was trying to sing it aloud but being so lousy in my chinese reading, dad had to help me and guess what? Unknowingly he was verbalising the name of Jesus and humming along. I thank God for such a breakthrough, such an opportunity!! Dad sat was seriously listening and I was glad. :)

Today, the television was still down. I had the chance to take dad and mum out after dinner for a stroll. It was good. They talked, we talked, everyone was happy. Without the television, we have so much more healthier 'connections'. Hmm.. I so think that the TV don't have to be back home. haaa...

Ever wonder why i am so beautiful? Just look at dad and mum... how far can i get right? *wink Thank God for them.

FREEZE IT. CHILL MAN.

Staying with Dor dor is so much fun cos she never fails to surprise me with the phrase, "freeze it la".

Here's how some typical conversations go:

Scenario 1.
Soowei: Wah, what should we do with so much bread that we bought?
Dor: Freeze it lah.

Scenario 2.
Soowei: Hmm still have so much glutinous rice. How?
Dor: Oh. We can freeze it.

Scenario 2.
Soowei: Oh dear so much left over soup? Such waste hor?
Dor: Oh. Freeze it la.

Yup. In Dorcas' fridge, nothing is impossible to freeze, this includes SOUP. I nearly fainted when this girl took out those two bottles of soup and attempted to defroze them cos they are such perfect chicken stock for my wanton soup.

Another typical phrase that Dorcas loves to use is 'chill man".
While walking barely 15minutes, Dorcas would say, "eh lets sit down for a while and chill."
After lunch, "hey sit down and chill la"
In the morning, afternoon, night hmm in fact most of the time, this girl would say, "eh soowei why you so busy? Chill la".

What memories. :)

Thanks Rach

Hey Rach, thanks for sending me off at the airport last monday. Just thought that it was a really nice gesture. :) So sweet of you to take the trouble to wake up that early to just come and had breakfast with me. Thanks.

King's Park.

Woke up at 5.30am on the first day of the trip. Hmmm.... how was that? It was ANZ Day, there was a memorial service held at the King's Park that morning at 6.30am. So, we went. It was a beautiful place, we climbed up the 'Jacob's ladder" (lost count of the number of steps there were but its long la) I ended up panting like nobody's business. Need to get back to exercising man.

As you can see, it was still dark when we reached there.

Did not really enjoy the memorial service cos there were far too many people about 40 000 turned up (as mentioned in the NEWs) but from the park, it overlooks a river so it was really pretty. Enjoyed the fresh air for sure.

Since we woke up so early, Dorcas drove us near a river and we just parked there and napped. Haaa In the van, yes.

Why did i take a picture of myself? Cos I was really bored when Dorcas was sleeping. But then I realised i brought my bible out and so did my QT. Such tranquility. Am so going to miss this.

While Dorcas was still sleeping i decided to take pictures of Nemo's friend. They are so cute. :)
I meant the birds, if you din watch Nemo. How cute right? But Dorcas said that there weren't Nemo's friend cos they were the ones who wanted to eat Nemo up. Hmm... can't remember. Anyway I think they are cute. Ha.

The first few days.

Some of the things that dor and I ate for the first few days were as below:

KFC!!!!!! AHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Yummy. But can you believe it? I need to pay 30 cents for every pack of chilli? Hmmm give thanks that in Singapore we can have free flow of it.

We nearly ordered the family feast. Haaa...

Dor brought me to this place called 'Nandos' on the first night.
Grilled chicken with spicy chilli, nice. I like. *grins.

For the first couple of days, we had too much fast food and thats why we decided to cook. Oh well but we ended up with a second set of problem... overeating. Ha....

Swan Valley (2) + UWA

When was the last time I danced? just jumped around and felt so free and wild with a bunch of friends? Well... a long while ago, during G:B times. Hm... come to think of it when have i become so serious? Yes. I danced... the country music played was simply irresistable. We all danced. Such great fun. Looking at the old couples dancing my heart just went *aw.....

At Swan Valley we went to the choc factory too. Dorcas dearest had a rolling competition and started rolling on the grass *gosh. Yes she won but had a little splint in her recovering wound. *sigh* This is dorcas. But she is just so candid isn't she? And she made Sarah Piggy-back her!!!???! And as you can see in the picture below, Sarah agreed.

Sherlene and Dor dor having fondue. Look at that relax pose.


Together with the rest we came up with this "Kangeroo" pose. Think its just so cute.
From Left: Sherilyn, Soowei, Cheryl and Sean.

When was the last time I relaxed on the grass and look up to the clouds and admire the way they were being made? Had the chance again when Dorcas brought me to her previous Uni - University of Western Australia. It was a beautiful Uni. Facing the famous clock tower, we had a loaf of bread with us, reclining on the grass, doing quiet time. WAH shiok!

At that moment just thought of this:

"Man shall not live by bread alone
but by every word that departs from the mouth of God."

Swan Valley (1)

Sunday after service Dorcas brought me to swan valley. It was a great trip cos i met really a whole load of great people. The youths from Generation Grace (Grace AOG's youths, Perth). They were so friendly and i simply felt so welcome by them.



From Left. Sherlene, Sherilyn, Shawn (Sean? haa dunno which version), Dorcas dear, Sarah (the birthday girl), Soowei (the gorgeous of course) and Sheryl (or Cheryl?) :)

What did we do?

Pay Aus$2.50 and enjoy wine tasting. Wah it was rather erm not enjoying for me cos i was very afraid that i would look really horrible. So i sipped and only Sipped. Haaa but din really enjoy any of it cos they were not sweet til, we reach the last one the port. Umm... slurp. Nice and sweet. I like.


Went to this vineyard. Wah i nearly died when i saw the vineyard. Wonder why i am so crazy about fruits? Hmm... my dream again to own an orchard, farm, vineyard or something but without dogs.. keke.


This is a picture taken with the 'penguin' pose.

I don't know about tomorrow. Do you?

Last Sunday, I visited Grace AOG (Perth) and I missed R-age so much. :( Pastor Cara preached on the story of Nathanael from John 1:45-51. What truly blessed my heart during this service was the strong presence of GOd and what Pastor Cara shared a little about her testimony regarding her full time calling. She mentioned that she was called when she was a teenager but only became a Pastor in her 40s, there were 22 years of silence.

I felt the call of God when I was 21 to go into full time. However, the Lord did not specify the "what" and "how" and "when". For the past few years, I started struggling about whether what I heard was really true and I kept asking God to confirm that call. As i looked back, i do see the Lord affirming me be it through my prayer life, people, vision etc. Come to think of it then what is my problem? Hmm...

One of the things that the Lord had affirmed me was through Psalm 139.
Psalm 139

One of the days when I was doing my Quiet Time, I read Psalm 139. As I meditated on the scriptures what really hit my heart was "God knows it all"; He knows me and He knows my tomorrow and my future. He knows what I do not know. As I still before the Lord, the Lord began to speak with me the cause of my constant questioning regarding my calling was my fear of uncertainties and my fear of giving my control wholly to God. Then this song came to my mind:

I Know Who Holds Tomorrow Lyrics
- Alison Krauss

I don't know about tomorrow;
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

Every step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter,
Every cloud is silver-lined.
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.

I don't know about tomorrow;
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.

Its a beautiful song as I relooked and sang to it again. I thank God that He is all knowing and nothing escapes His eyes and hands.

During the communion on Sunday, Pastor Cara read a portion of the scripture before we took the bread and the cup. Guess what? It was Psalm 139 again. Thank God for His constant reminders. :)

Daily Feasting.

On an average these are the varieties of food we eat daily ...

Last nights: Stir Fried Bee hoon with Wanton Soup and Neighbour's curry


One of the lunches: Instand Noodles with Dorcas' Baked Chicken


One of the dinners: Glutinous Rice + Soup + Fruits + MAsh Potatoe + Baked Chicken

* This meal nearly caused our lives. We were so bloated!!!

Tea Break: While walking in the City, we had this really sinful cake but nice!!


One of the Dinners for TWO, haaa.... totally loads rights? Hmmm never get a sanguine to cook. *Shakes Head* Even for two I still think there ought to be varieties. *laughing at my own sillyness*

In the middle of the night...

Yup! All done in the middle of the night. A Carrot Cake and A box of brownie cookies. :)

We had the carrot cake's recipe a week ago and decided to do it last night. So yes, it was just supposed to be ONE carrot cake and done! However Dorcas dearest suddenly had a craving for chocolate cheap cookies *gosh! And yes we made that. We worked through the night til 2 plus.... tiring but real fun.

Just look at how beautiful our cake is. Cheryl, this is really healthy and not as sweet as the ones in bakery, next time can bake together. *Wink.



Up close and personal: It reads S . D (Soowei and Dorcas)


And of course the cookies... how can i forget? For 2 whole hours i was acting like a cookie making machine:
1. Cut tracing paper
2. Put mixture on the paper
3. Bake
4. Remove from oven
5. Leave to cool (meantime start from 1)
6. Pack into box.

Discriminations!....?..... . :)

Have you faced discrimations before? Neither have I til I came Perth. How strange? Not once, twice but 4 times in all!!! Dunno about tmr and the day after but up to this very moment, 4.

Hmm.. why so? Cos i'm an asian? Cos i look like a little girl with a haversack (i'll just take that as a compliment if its ever so true) and appear penniless? Looks like a terrorist??! These are things that ran through my head each time after I encountered them. Felt unjustified and unwelcome definitely. HErm! A little boiling cos i think some of the comments were rude and the tone used definitely didn't welcome any of my smiles.

Just as I was reading the scripture yesterday, I began asking the Lord if He wanted to teach me anything at all since it occurred 4 times in 9 days. Guess what? I was just reading through the book of Luke and came by this passage where it talks about Jesus moving towards the direction of Jerusalem and was passing by the vllage in which the Samaritans lived. The scripture clearly mentioned that the Jesus and His disciples were not welcomed there. The disciples then asked the Lord if they should pray to send down brimstone on the Samaritans. Jesus then replied that He came to save and not to destroy lives.

Wow! Jesus was very magnanimous and I realised that I was not when I got upset with the people when they make sarcastic remarks. These incidents act as a mirror to my ugly self which the Lord chose to magnify them through a series of happenings to teach me that I need to learn so much more about loving people with the love of Christ.

Subiaco & Sarah

Shopping at Subiaco was really fun. There was just so much to see. Nothing in particular that i would like to bring back to Singapore except for throws, throws and more throws. Haaa... Can somebody just answer me why Singapore doesn't have such pretty throws? *sigh.


Afterwhich i met Dorcas and we head on to Sarah's (Dorcas's Church mate) birthday party at Han's cafe. Sarah just turned 20. Hmm... when was the time i celebrated my 20th? Thank GOd its still within the 10 fingers count. The party was warm and cosy, not much of a challenge trying to blend in as a newcomer cos the people there were really warm. :) I had fun.


And do you believe that I ate that much of a cake? Yum....