Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Snippets of Japan & other Linkages

Came back from Japan yesterday morning around 130am! It was a turbulent flight, and I felt scared. Always had some air sickness here and there. Feels like I'm suspended in mid air, and the plane may suddenly plunge downwards, or it may hit something and burst into flames on the runway when it is about to fly up. ;p

I'm not really intending to write a blog about my travels, like day 1 what we did etc etc. heh. I will upload my photos on Facebooks later, with some captions. ;) Just felt like writing today some random thoughts here and there.

Woke up this morning, feeling really happy. It was this holidayish mood. Same kind of feeling I had as a sec sch gal, waking up in the morning on a school holiday (e.g. Dec? ) :) I felt happy & grateful. And you know what, I am looking forward to work starting on the 2nd of May. Its really a rare kind of feeling for someone to be looking forward to work. And I know in my heart that I've made the right choice.

Went to GB yesterday night for a meeting, and just sat there to listen to the projects going on. I was happy. Street kids, slums, orphanages, schs. =) Ofcos I believe that idealism remains a dream if it does not have its roots sunk down somewhere in realism. I see the cultural diff in a NGO. There's inefficiencies going on, because simply, a lot of the situations are dynamic and unplanned for. And NGOs have much less resources than companies, whether it is money, talent, manpower etc. I feel like in a way, everyday is a faith situation, whereby you have to lean on God to give wisdom, empower you to go beyond what reason limits you to.

Japan...

(1) Unlock yr dreams

I kind of enjoyed Japan, and I am a somewhat disney convert. ;) I don't mean the commercialism. I mean the spirit behind the Disney dream. It was the 25th aniversary, and songs played as mickey & minnie and loads of other disney characters paraded past us.




I liked the positive energy in DisneyLand. "Unlock your dreams"- Indeed, who would have thought that one man's dream could give rise to so many diff disney characters, cartoons etc.

(2) High Life
Another thought that I had... I kind of enjoyed the "high" life in Japan. Shopping, eating (wow, the quality of life is very high). And kind of gave thanks for the plenty. But I didn't buy the branded stuffs there, cos Im not really a branded person. But as I observed my own buying patterns, realised that I am actually quite frugal. Like I don't really need multiple bags, shoe, and I feel the pinch buying a cup of juice for 5 dollars. Anyway I saw Sunday Times had this article about being frugal is chic these days.
But anyway...I know God will provide for me. As in being a christian is not being an ascetic. But rather, being contented in much and plenty.

(3) Missions
Again another random thought. I saw the linkages between the countries I had a burden for, and my childhood:
Philippines- My domestic helper of 6 years was from Philippines, and we were really close :) After that we had 2 others, so in total I was exposed to the Philippines culture for 10 years.
China- Went to China several times as a child with my parents, and also visited my relatives in the Kampong in China.

As for Japan- in pri sch, a grp of them visited my pri sch, and I made a japanese penpal. :)
Actually I don't feel that much burden for Japan, until recently I heard about how the gospel will come from Asia, and one of the places is Tokyo, back to Jerulsalem. Its quite fascinating I feel. Prayed quite a bit for Japan while we visited the different places. I'm amazed by how clean, neat things are, and how polite people are. Ple still need the Lord.

Japanese fathers are such family men. The way they care for their little kids with such gentleness and seriousness. =) I can imagine my heavenly Father caring for me in the same way, so it was interesting seeing the parallels.

So anyway.... I feel that I am still a very "homely" person as well, cos I like sleeping in my own bed, eating my mum's food etc. So I prayed and asked God, if He really calls me to a certain country that He will make it very clear to me. And perhaps China, Philippines or Japan are good choices since I feel comfortable in these cultures? Hmmmmmm.

P/S: China 's landscape and scenery is much more beautiful in my humble opinion. :) But I've not seen the mountainous parts of Japan that much yet.

Monday, April 21, 2008

For the First time

Had a few first time experiences over the past few weeks:
1. Killed my first cockroach. Just killed my second cockroach 2 days ago.
2. Lizard in my wall above my bed. I actually prayed for it to go away, and it moved after some time to the window and disappeared.
3. For some reason, on sat night when I got back home, my parents room window was mysteriously wide open. Before I left the house it was closed. I was home alone, took an umbrella and insect repellent (to spray into the eyes of any intruders?). But thank God there was no one, and everything was intact. Maybe the wind blew.

Hope to train myself up for third world experiences. ;p Must stop being a da xiao jie.

4. I'm going to Japan tmr night! :) For a one week holiday. hee. Its on of the little luxuries I've given myself before my new work begins. As u can see, this first time experience is a bit incongruent with the above.
Take care folks.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Farewell GIC!

Finally have some quiet moments to pen down my thoughts. It has been quite a busy week, and I'm rather tired cos of lack of sleep. But I am thankful and happy!

Last fri was my last day at work, and I felt so loved by my colleagues!

Actually on Thursday, we had CF, and I thanked God for how He blessed me for the past 3 years in GIC. 4 main blessings: Fellowship, grace, favour and trust (teaching me patience and trust). At the end, they gave me a box, and in it was some photos we had taken together as well as farewell notes from some of them. I was so touched!!
On fri, I gave out some bookmarks etc to my colleagues. And had one of the most satisfying lunches- You Mian and Avocado Shake at Amoy Street. Really, I am one easy gal to please, as long as u give me good company. =) But yes, these 2 food items had been my fave from Amoy Food Street.

After lunch, ard tea time, my colleagues asked me to go over to the round table- the cosy corner we always have our chats and food. And there was a spread of egg tarts, chicken pies, cakes, ice-cream. Food bought from all over Tanjong Pagar.



This is my division :)
Made my rounds to take photos. Have uploaded them into Facebooks.

Received some other presents...including a samsonite luggage bag, which was really sweet. :)

Then last night, I had ba cho mee, oyster omlette, sugar cane and bbq chicken wings with another good colleague at blk 85 bedok. ;p

So now I am happily tired. And tmr begins the first day of my liberty. Hooooraay.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Surprised by joy

I'm in the last days at my company, Friday is my last day of work. Yesterday, I experienced the same joy that griped my heart at Balai. Fellowshipping with the people from Healthserve and just being there, in the heart of geylang, amongst the people whom God loves, made me very happy. I am deeply touched by the sacrifices and love of these people towards the marginalized. And I am encouraged by being in fellowship with them! Managed to visit the clinic with Shar yest. And stood in the clinic as Des examined his patient, and it was actually part counseling cos the patient had some sort of psychological problem that he was ill. Talked to the founders too, and heard stories of people who walked the streets to pray and befriend people there for 1 year or 2 years. So u have the singapore version of Hedi Baker. Hee.

Ya, so this warm feeling in my heart lasted all the way from last night until today. And its a confirmation from God what truly makes me joyful. =) And so I leave my company feeling full of assurance, peace, joy and anticipation at what lies ahead. The joy that is worth more than a million dollars. In the words of a fren who works in an NGO, "You must have taken a huge paycut but you know what, it's all worth it. I know."

I feel like this is a season of fruitfulness for me. I've been really busy these few days, but I find a sense of purpose and feel like I've walked out of that valley of darkness. In a way, surprised by this joy that I am experiencing. Church has been fruitful, with loads of activities coming up for the young adult ministry. And other then that, also met a chinese gal and am hoping to give her bible studies. There's also testimony sharing this sunday at the prayer meeting on the Breakthrough weekend. And tmr, I will be sharing at my company CF about the past 3 years at GIC. :)

Well basically, life is full of possibilities now. Meeting loads of like-minded people and hearing about lots of good things that ple are doing. And I believe God-inspired things. I now have a renewed sense of the importance of prayer, because it is God who is the source of love, and He is the one who places love and burdens amongst christians. And in His own time and way, He will accomplish the healing of the broken hearted and draw all men to Himself.

Friday, April 11, 2008

More encouraged!

I am super thankful that recently I've gotten in touched with some like-minded individuals and non-profits founded by Singaporeans.
One of them is Radon International founded by 2 young singaporeans- actually ard my age. They reach out to refugees in Thailand.
http://newlifeoutreach.blogspot.com/
http://www.radion-international.org/

And today, I got introduced to a ministry reaching out to ple in Geylang. :)
http://www.healthserve.org.sg/
Anyway happy exploring these links. :)
There's always positive energy flying around when u meet like-minded individuals. So happy & excited!

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Encouraged

Pretty thankful for the past few days. I'm almost being treated for all my meals :D heh. Realise that my love language may be receiving gifts, aka I feel very loved whenever someone gives me something.
Met up with D after a long while, and we went to Miss Clarity Cafe and Food for thought. Then he sent me home though he stays at Choa Chu Kang! I've not encountered male chivalry for some time. ;p And then Tues I met up with my colleague S, who is from Adam Road Pres Church, and he said his wife was also going to start work in a missions organization, to care for kids of missionaries! That was pretty encouraging. And then had tea with JS at coffee bean after work, whereby I got to talk and share about some of the stuffs I encountered at work! It was pretty edifying. Then today, I had korean food with my "powerpuff" girls colleagues. So this pretty much sums up mon to wed. I've been on the receiving end for loads of love from others. And I hope it never ends, like I can keep receiving. haha. I think my love tank is slowly being filled up. Nevertheless, it can always do with more and more filling up!

The transition period to a new job is pretty weird for me. Cos I'm not that busy at work, and I feel pretty sentimental. Today, I collected my letter from the HR, which stated the period I worked in the company, my last drawn pay etc. As I stood at the interview room, it just felt like yesterday when I sat there for my interview in my suit and resume, and those fears and excitement, not knowing what to expect from my interviewees. So it was pretty surreal. U know I can't say, I don't like money or status, and when I looked at the last drawn salary, there was a little stir in my heart.

Yesterday as I read the bible, these verses spoke to me and encouraged me:
7 Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. 8 And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed." Deut 31: 7-8

Joshua must have felt pretty intimidated having to lead the Israelites to the promised land. And to fill the shoes of Moses! Yet God promised Joshua, that he was not to be afraid, but to be strong and of good courage. Because the Lord Himself went with Him. And yes, Joshua had a calling from God to fulfil.

Another verse blessed my heart
31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:31-34

I take these verses literally. Literally, sell all you have and follow after Christ, because He shall provide. Why "little" flock? Cos like little children, we are come to the Father and trust Him. Little children who are just so trusting to rest in His promises.

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Unpredictable weather

This is my third day of MC, and its the first time in three years that I'm actually down for more than 3 days. Went to work this morning, and saw the doc later, still had a slight fever, giddiness and cough. so she gave me a day's of MC. :)

Fever has been going on and off, hopefully tmr it will be okay. And that I will be able to sleep well, cos I find it quite difficult to sleep these days even though I'm tired. So its like the effects of the panadol makes me tired, but I can't sleep!

I've been feeling "emo" for the past few days over little things. Thank God for His grace.

I wanted to share about my "high" life last week. Had 3 meals at hotel restaurants. The first one was at a certain hotel is Orchard, cos my fren worked there and we got 50% off, so we sat next to the swimming pool, and had lobster and martini (I did) and Singapore Swing (my fren did). It was a nice cosy atmosphere and we looked at the sky and everything. On Friday, went with my colleagues to Prego cos it was someone's bday, and someone had the discount card. Hmm...not really worth its money, I thought the pasta was so-so. And on Saturday, we went to the The Square at Novotel, my cousins gave our family a treat cos they also had some discount. It was a whole spread of japanese, itallian, western food, and it was really yummy. Per pax would have cost like 45++.

So that's about it for my high life. :P I could be happy living a low life as well, but I am thankful for the food and the company.

Today when I got back to office, I realise a couple of my colleagues had promotions! I was happy for them ofcos, but cos we are peers, I couldn't stop myself from thinking what it would have been if I had stayed. Hmm. More high life and promotions and salary? Many thoughts ran through my mind, and because I was so "emo" and sick, I actually felt very whiney. But I know if I chose again I would still have chosen to quit. So yah, I am at peace with my decision, its just so hard to say goodbye to lovely things. :P But yes, it helps tremendously to look onwards to the future.

Future has somehow on and off been linked to third world and him. I'm trying to re-orientate myself with third world (fullstop). SY says I should put a black box beside third world, aka third world and blackbox. So I don't have to do it alone. :P I'm scared about being alone, seriously. And also I'm not 100% sure about third world. So I am in suspense, and I feel a bit frightened sometimes. But yet I also remind myself of all His promises, and how He has already brought me so far. He will continue to bring me. There's a insatiable longing to be known and to know, only God can satisfy that fully. I know I know. Yet having a community also helps, and I am incredibly thankful of all my frens.

At this age whereby I am supposed to be caring for my aged parents, when I was sick, I saw things going on at home. How dad dealed with the contractors, woke up early, supervised them etc. How mum cooked for us, did the cleaning up etc. I feel somewhat embarrassed at my lack of contribution. And how so often I gribed about my parents not caring about me. Dad also went to see the doc and needs to go for checkup again. :( So I asked him how he was and all that. Strangely, the way I communicated with him sounded like the way he communicated with me. The words were few, but yet underlyingly how much I cared for them, and am thankful for them.

Okay, thats about all, writing has been therapeutic. And I hope that the funny weather will stop soon. :) Anyway, God is faithful, regardless.