Rescue mission

Due to some glitches, I didn't fly yesterday, and will be flying tmr morning instead. It was an eventful day as I awoke all ready to go, with my luggage all packed. The uncertainty showed me what it means to be (1) Battle ready - i.e. having your luggage packed and ready to go (2) Trusting and Waiting - For God's timing in uncertainty.

I'm glad I was at home to witness a most touching event. As I have told some of you before, a pair of birds (honey bird) built their nest at the bamboo tree outside my house door. This is the third time they have a kid here. Two other baby birds have hatched and flew off.

But this naughty little baby bird, probably kicks a lot in the nest, plus the nest has really worn out after 2 baby birds. I heard the day before, the baby bird was dropping out of the nest, and my dad & mum had to scoop up the bird and put it back into its nest. Yesterday, the same thing happened to the bird. It was hanging on its legs, upside down in a precarious situation. Dad put the bird into the nest a few times, and even used toothpicks to stick the nest together. As the nest really looked like it was going to break, he put a box below for the bird to land. The baby bird really dropped on the box, and the mother bird was flying all ard the garden anxiously. I noticed the father bird only came after much later. (I was thinking to myself.....The male and female characteristics apply in the animal kingdom too? haha..)

Okay here is the poor birdy....

And mum and dad thought of cutting down the original nest and put it into this basket, before putting poor baby inside. So that baby will not fall again. It was kinda sweet....Mummy bird and Daddy bird were so worried tweeting all around. And later when the discovered baby bird was safe in the new man-made nest, they continued their tweeting melody. ;)

For more info, u may visit my mum's blog which gives a narration of the whole incident plus photos. ;p

It was the most beautiful rescue mission that I saw....and a representation of love between parents and their kids, and my parents with animals ;p I see God in nature.

What would you bring up to a helicopter?

Its really been some time since I blogged! Life has been somewhat busy. I'm flying again on Wednesday from 17-24 June to Indonesia (Jakarta and Pontianak). I kind of like the "image" of being on the move and flying here and there, but deep inside me, part of me feels a little bit tired and lonely. Traveling can be quite lonely, and when I get touched about some people or things, I can only journal them down (if there's no one to share with, but yea, I am thankful for the different ones I've travelled with and the divine conversations). And also I can't sleep properly in a new place, I usually take some time to get used to it! I'm also thinking about the greenish looking water in the village that we use to bathe........

Sigh I have become so pampered! Was it a change? I find that the older I get, I get exposed to different things, and my "want" list increases. This year I bought Nike & Birkenstock shoes. Recently I tried Clinique products and I like them, so I got some from an online shop that sells it cheaper. I also have taken a liking to Bodyshop stuff like the White Musk shower gel is simply so luxurious! Last year I signed on the gym membership and personal training, and going to the gym has made me feel like my body is being so taken care of, and I give thanks that I get to enjoy such a luxury. And then food wise, it is hard to resist good food, and also I enjoy drinking (chilling) with friends, and a glass of beer costs a lot. Hmm...what else.. as the weather is so hot, I've started sleeping with the aircon on every night! Last night I went to this wedding dinner, and the food was so lavish, with lobster, sharksfin (literally pieces and pieces), scallops, birds nest etc.

Maybe like Paul...he is contented with much and with little? Not sure when it crosses the line. The gist is, I guess, taking all things as temporal. But yeah I am thankful each time I have much. And having said all this, I think it is still more blessed to be with loved ones than to have the gold and treasures of the earth. And also the realisation (not that I didn't know, it just became so apparent recently) that I am so well taken care of at home. Maybe it took my friends to have children before I realised the difficulties of raising a kid, caring for a baby etc. When I get home, my mum cooks wonderful meals and heats them up for me, I just have to eat and wash up. I always think my parents should get more involved in missions, but indirectly, they have supported missions by taking care of me and releasing me to travel so much. This I am so thankful for.

Recently i came across some really good resources from World Vision on teaching youths abt global issues and what the bible says about them. One of the questions they asked was, if there was a flood, what are the things u will bring to the roof top. What are the things you will bring up to the helicopter. To the helicopter I can think of my family ofcos, and all my identification cards like I/C, passport, and my hard disk & camera which contain a lot of info...most of my money is in the bank anyway. And to the rooftop, you know what....I think I may bring my books up, and some momentos that really mean a lot to me from people. Hmm. How about you? This ques helps to identify which are really really dear things to you!! Maybe it also depends how much time I have to bring these things up yea.

Random...blues...

I've been feeling a bit disoriented and blue since I came back from Philippines..
I think partly it is cos I have been on a series of high activities like church retreat and philippines. And now that life has returned to normalcy, and the work emails start flooding in again, I'm feeling blue!! :(
There are a few issues hanging at work, that I don't know how to settle. I'm in need of God's grace to see me through.

The other reason for the low energy, I think is cos I've been sick. The doct gave me 2 days of MC cos she heard I had been traveling, so better to stay away from people. That was fri and sat. And since I don't have fever, and my cough is recovering, I think I am cleared!

The 2 days of rest suddenly gave me loads of time and space alone. And made me realise I have been running on full speed engine for the past few months, just one activity after the next! Including the relaxing activities, like gym, free massage etc etc, but nevertheless still running from one place to the next. And because I'm coughing, I decided to skip gym today on my off day. It makes me realise how much time gym actually takes up! 45 min travel & changing time, 1 hr 15min workout, 45 min clean up and travel back. Wah that's 2 hours 45 min! Almost half a day is gone of my free day..

Sunday was a super packed day, having to reach church at 830am for the IDT test which I think I did quite badly, cos of the cough mixture, I can't remember some of the memory verses. And then served as a welcomer. Church service, and then meeting on missions, cos am now serving in the missions pillar for young adults.

I know I'm sounding a bit whinny and complainy today. heh..actually there's nothing much to complain abt. =p Still in my lull mood. The hot weather makes me grumpy.

But yup, thankful for lunch with a good fren/ex colleague, and telephone call with a dear friend!

I can reach the heavens above (part 2)

I have started taking an interest in photography. It was a gradual thing, as I enjoyed photo taking previously, but I think it built up one year ago as I got my own Canon IXUS (the colours really turn out nice, even if I use auto mode, and don't do any special setting. Not like I know how to do much special settings. ;) )
And secondly, because I travel so much, I try to take as many photos as possible to capture the essence of the feelings I get looking at the people and scenery.

I love taking the blue sky, white clouds, hills, mountains, lakes, children, and recently flowers. As much as possible, freeze that moment and bring it home, sigh, though a picture speaks a thousand words, yet it cannot totally bring back that moment.

Told a friend before, that sometimes, when I am looking at a beautiful sunset, I wished I had someone to share it with. I think it is the same for photos. Being able to share it with friends, or the stories behind the photos truly doubles the joy. So here are a few selections of the photos in Bohol, from my collection. ENJOY! =) (Click on the photos to see a bigger and expanded version)

I'm thinking of going for a course to learn more about photography. And someday, maybe I will get a SLR camera! If you know of any good part time courses, let me know!

I can reach the heavens above (part 1)

I got back last night from Bohol! I had a very blessed trip. Even though I have been going to villages and rural areas for missions trips and work before, but this time it was different, because I was going as a sponsor with World Vision!

These are some of the things to give thanks for:

1. Empowerment of women and children
I left the place feeling encouraged, because I didn't feel like the people I met were pitiful or poor. They were empowered individuals. I met many of the community leaders who World Vision is training up to be leaders, and these are the people on the ground running the programmes and the projects. Many of these are volunteers, and they belong to the community receiving help.

Everyone I met had dignity in their eyes, and I know that after I leave and after World Vision leaves, development will continue there.

2. Hidden treasures within the children & youths
We met some of the "child leaders" as they call them. They hosted the programmes, sang for us, held the children's programmes. And I was touched at one point when these two youths sang this song titled "I Can". Part of the lyrics went like this:

I can live, I can love
I can reach the heavens above
I can right what is wrong
I can sing just any song
I can dance, I can fly
And touch the rainbow in the sky






The youth leader shared, that they are so blessed, of all the barangay (something like village), World Vision chose them. It touched my heart, that a sum of 45 dollar a month contribution meant so much to them. Call the contribution small, compared to how much we have in Singapore. But it made such an impact in their lives.

I was touched by the meaning behind the donation. That it meant more than an act of kindness. It meant seeds of hope for those in remote places/villages/forests. It meant helping to release the poor into their destiny. It meant empowerment. It meant releasing them to fulfill their potential. And of all places, God would choose to go to remote places to seek and find that which is lost.
If more people could be convicted that their 45 dollars meant so much, wouldn't we do much more?













3. Because God first loved
I know that my gift is small, and I can only love because God first loved me. It is not a coincidence, but each sponsor and child, God divinely matchmade together because He knows our needs and desires at different seasons in our lives.
I was encouraged that my love meant something when the people stood up to give us keychains and bracelets. I embraced this old lady -community leader who gave me my gift. I cried. Cos I felt so loved and appreciated, and the thankfulness that they expressed towards us. I know we blessed them by our presence and they had blessed us so much too with the genuinity of their hearts. I felt like saying, thank God, not me, because we did nothing. He is the source of love. At that moment, I felt God's deep sense of love. Love for the lost, the litle children.

4. It has come full circle
One of the child leaders - a 16 year old youth, gave me a white coloured rosary, which he said was something that meant a lot to him. And that he prayed that God will protect me, and I should hold the rosary in my hand because God will protect me.
It stirred up memories of the brown rosary - same design and all, given by my domestic helper, who shared Christ with me when I was 6 or 7 years old. I would put the rosary in my hand before I slept, dutifully, every night. I think it went on for a few years. Even though I was a child, and not a church goer back then, I prayed to God. And I believe that this full circle back, God reminded me that He was with me, from the very beginning. And He already knew what was ahead.


5. Surrender....
Surrendered to God. Some of the desires I still had. The difficulties I faced. The seemingly tough and lonely untreaded road ahead. And even though it is difficult, the reminder of the Father's love. The Father who unceasingly reaches out to everyone in the World, young and old, far and near, city and rural, rich or poor. The God who holds all things in His hands.

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Lastly, I pray that you would consider sponsoring a child. 45 dollars may mean nothing to you, or just a little pinch, or a little less savings in your bank, or 2-3 less meals at restaurants. But it means a world of a difference to a child. (Even at the risk of sounding very cliche, but I really never knew what it meant, until I went on this trip)

http://www.worldvision.org.sg/st_sponsorchild.php

Some photos and videos to follow...videos are taking super long to upload!! Grr.

Greetings from Bohol!

Greetings from Bohol, Philippines! =) Using internet in the hotel.
Couldn't resist checking my email, and yup, as suspected, my inbox is flooded. Ignore! **

Seeing my kid tmr...
Meanwhile, it has been a good rest so far, and reflecting abt stuff.

Back on Saturday evening.

Blessings

We can do no great things, only small things with great love - Mother Teresa

As I was preparing a presentation for some polytechnic students today, this quote by Mother Teresa came to my mind:
We can do no great things, only small things with great love

One of the reasons why I feel more rested now, is because I have started adopting this philosophy unknowingly.

When I first got into NGO work, I was upset because the vision/mission varied so far from reality. And I looked to others to give me answers, especially my bosses.
The ground is very hard. There's stress from all ends, sometimes there is a tension between meeting the needs of the employees, the beneficiaries, the trippers, the volunteers etc.

So I got pretty stressed up and upset over these things.

As time passed, I realised the limitations of everyone, and bosses don't have all the answers. Thankful that I am finally able to accept some grey areas. And yeah, I celebrated my one year anniversary in non profit work on the 2 of May! =) Clap Clap..

I wonder how many years there are to come. But I am really starting to find that I am getting paid for something I really like to do. Increasingly, as I understand things better, I am convicted that lifeskills and literacy skills matter a lot, and even though it is so hard to find resources to support the training, what we have right now is really good, and we need to continue to work on it.

Seeing things in small pieces, and looking to the vision which may be fulfilled in a few years times really help. I wish the vision can be fulfilled the next day, and all the systems/processes/syllabus/programmes/committees are all set in place. But that really takes a lot of time, effort, hardwork, and prayer to work.

Though I still meet nasty and weird people. Should try and ignore them...

I am so humbled, and am starting to pray more for each project.

And today, I got to share about our work with some psychology and community service students! Its the second time I got to interact directly with students, and not through a teacher. I enjoyed seeing their interested and inquisitve faces a lot, absorbing what I had to share. =)

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I'm going to Philippines on Sunday (17/5) to Sat (23/5). I got some chocs & souvenirs for the family, and a jacket and a Mighty Warrior children's bible for my kid (sponsored through world vision)! =) I felt so happy carrying the big bags of gifts home. Its such a blessing to be able to give to others! This may be the only time I get to meet my kid, Buboy in my lifetime, so yup, giving him the best. Hope that its not too extravagant.

Here's a pict of the cool jacket and bible and misc gifts. I really found the jacket super cool! But then I realise that it is for kids 1.50 m tall (12 years old), but when I got home to check, my kid was only 1.22m tall 2 years ago. I hope he can fit into it now that he is 11 years old.

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It feels a bit strange to be not worried by something...O well. Actually the stress level is still there. But yup, thankful for lots of things and looking forward to traveling!!

It's making sense

Things have been great, felt refreshed and strengthed by the Breakthrough weekend at Johor over the last weekend.
New things are happening at work, there's a new atmosphere of lightness and cohesiveness.
On the home front, parents went overseas, so sis and I have the house to ourselves! It has been more bz doing housework and all, but also a good time of being by ourselves.

Overall, everything has been good. And my spirits have been really uplifted. My mind has been cleared...and I am rethinking about life again. Those desires on the inside arising again, the passion for life....

Looking back at all that happened, and it all makes sense now. :) Why I had to go through certain things, how certain events shaped me...and what I am perhaps created to do.

For now, one step at a time.

Rest =0

I'm at home today. Off in lieu for my work trip over Sunday. =) Sent out a few urgent emails just now, and there's still things to do. But decided to just rest at home and do stuff with myself today. Yay!!!! Might make a trip to the beach later... Or get a hair cut...or go to the bank....

Slept lots yesterday too, and went to the gym for a good workout....

Looking forward to tmr's Breakthrough Weekend at Pulai Springs in Johor. All the way until Saturday.

Before the world rushes in again...

...I want to stop and say I love You


Before the day
by Newsong

Last night while I was sleeping, You were watching over me
While I dreamt about tomorrow, You knew my every need

Now another day is waiting, For me to make it through
And there is no way that I can face it without You

CHORUS
Before the day slips away, I want to stop and say I love You, I love You
Before the world rushes in again
I want to stop and say, There is none above You
There is none above You
I just be still and know that you are God, Be still and know that you are God

There is something about the morning, The stillness of it all
That cause my heart to hear You, When You gently call
Now another day is waiting, For me to make it through
There is no way that I can face it without You

Here I am in your presence, Where I long to be
Alone with you in the silence
Rain down your love and your mercy, Whisper softly to me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNt_4JE992s