FOTOS!

Arriving at Ho Chi Minh Airport. Woo hoo! A holiday trip out of Singapore! So proud of myself! Finally, at 26, I have the chance to travel on my own.


Tried to be arty here. But it seems like having an idea and not having a good equipment, spoils the whole idea! Need to invest!


The first thing we ate after leaving airport. It's called Mee Guang! It has 2 types of mee in it and some other ingredients. Not too bad!


The interior signboard of the shop's name! (The owner thought that we were some food critics. Their faces were so disappointed when they found out we were just some hungry Singaporean)


The shop's signboard on the Main Road! (I'm not sure if I would recommend this stall or this Mee Guang since it's my first time eating. No harm trying!)


A wood-craft shop which Claudia brought us to. Amazing! There were many wooden boat and ship. And honestly, the price is pretty reasonable. However, too big and no place to display back at home!

Interesting! A ship in a light bulb!


A mega sized ship!

Can't remember what Hotel! In district 1.



Erh.. Can't remember what is this also! Theathre or monuments???

Hehe! Didn't realise the top and bottom fotos kind of link into like 1 foto! haha! Ingenious me! : )

An oil-painting which I saw in an Art shop. It was so real! But my camera CMI! Now it looks like some errie B grade horror painting, where the lady in the paint will turn around and smile at you while you are not looking!


Bbbburrrrrppppppp.... Lunch at this French Restaurant!

The French Restaurant!








Coffee Break at this coffee house, Trung Nguyen. I love their coffee and especially their cakes. We had cheesecake and some other cakes. I love the cheesecake and it's so cheap! Cheap cheap cheap! (did try coffee at Highlanders but i tot this Trung Nguyen nicer and cheaper)



Well! This is how you drink the traditional coffee style. A metal filter on the cup. Simply love it!

Arh... Finally a foto of the 3 of us in the coffee house!

The 2 handsome men! I like my goateee!


And the Sa-aat (beautiful in khmer) lady!

Highly recommended if you are not a higherpricebettercoffee person. Nice ambience and got free Internet and priniting service. Woo hooo!

The LOVERS' PARK! At night, the whole park will be swarmed with couples, each individual seated on their bikes. So you will see many rows of bikes at this park. When it hits the wee hours, the park converts to a "Pharmacy'' centre. Drug abusers heaven! : (

Ben Thanh market! Equavialent to Central Market of Phnom Penh! Bought a pair of slipper! : )

Have no idea why a Goa (cow for khmer) and Bi Dtrai (2 fish). Hehe! I know this is Vietnam but I want to brush up my Khmer! : )

Dinner place! Something like S'pore Marsche. The owner gathered the best street food and sell them under one restaurant. Smart guy!

Ban Ciao! Vietnamese pancake! Can't really appreciate the greens. Have unique taste.

My dinner. Some eel noodle soup. So so only! Rating 6.5/10. A few small pieces of deep fried eel floating around. Got this You Tiao that was like frozen hard! : )

This was supper. After Claudia brought us to a cell group, we went to this rice roll shop.

Ordered a few dishes. Not bad!


This is one of Claudia's fav dish. It's something like S'pore's Juay Kui but it has some soupy gravy. Quite interesting. Maybe can try bringing this to S'pore and sell! $$$ making! : )

2 DANIEL??? Oh no......

This is 2nd day in HCM. We make a big boo this morning. Both of us only tune our watches to Vietnam's timing which is 1 hour behind S'pore. So when we were supposed to wake up at 5.30am to prepare ourselves for our trip to Cu Chi tunnel, we set our alarm on our handphone and alarm clock. So we woke up at S'pore time at 5.30am and Vietnam time, 4.30am. Wah......... So early. Haha! Since we had the luxury of time, we went to have breakfast at a nearby restaurant near the tour agency.

That was another experience. I had tried to order the breakfast which includes 2 eggs for one set of price and add sausages, hams for another set of price. I told the waitress I wanted the 2 eggs, (1 poached and 1 sunnyside up) and also the sausages and ham. She was puzzled so I tried explaining my order again. After much, she finally nod in agreement that she understood my order. I ordered an ice coffee with milk as well. Daniel just ordered the beef noodle. When my order came, it came with only the eggs. I was too "pek chek'' to reorder so I just settle for wat they gave me. Less than 20 seconds, another plate of eggs were delieverd to my amusement. I really why the waitress bothered to write down my order since she couldn't even understand my order. An my ice coffee came like after 15 minutes and that was only when I reminded them. And they gave me ice coffee black! *O* I nearly wanted to scream. Hehe! Next time, keep my order simple!

My precious long-waited iced milk coffee which was only so so.....!

The 2 Sa-aat men again! I really like my goatee!


Something that I saw which I thought was interesting when we were on the coach to Cu Chi Tunnel!

My Dung! I wonder who buys his/her waste? tsk tsk.....

At Cu Chi Tunnel! This is the original entrance to the tunnel. Small siah! Max waistline or buttline is 36inches. Anything more, they will let the hungry strays loose on you. It's easier to drag a corspe out of the hole. haha! Joking.....

Wah! Daniel fit into the small hole. Haha! And he managed to enter and crawl through the dark tunnel!

Actually, I want to try and I believe I wil fit just nicely! But just to save myself the embarassment if I were stucked at the hole, I decided that I shall not be so gung-ho! : )

This is the exit!


And here's Daniel exiting the tunnel! I thought I lost him! Took him quite a while to figure out his way!

Mr Sa-aat Number 1! In the tunnels which had been enlarged for tourists!

Mr Sa-aat Number 2 with the cute goateee! (ok fine! stopped puking everytime I said my goatee is cute!)

What does this look like? A floor of dried leaves rite! Nope!..........

It's the roof of a shed! Hehe!







The shells that were dropped on Vietnam. Those undetonated were used by the Vietnamese to fight back their enemies!




Another arty foto that I tried to capture. The shophouses with the linings in the evening!

The don't know wat monument? Took a closed up!





Vietnamese Currency, Dong! Claudia teaches us an easy way to convert the Dongs back to S'pore Dollar. Simply remove the last 4 zeros and that's the conversion. Eg: If it's 16,000 Dong, it's S'pore $1.60. That simple!

Claudia's office! She's having a good time in HCM! : )

Saigon River! A ride of abt an hour down the river cost about $20USD! I nvr took the ride. Too expensive! Even if I want, I could easily swim down and up the river by myself! : )

I was wondering what's with all these penguins! They are dustbins! Interesting!

Hehe! Me again! But without my cute goatee! Eating a roadside yoghurt! My goodness! It's so lovely! As good as those you get from the supermarket shelves! And at a fraction of the price! Wah!

Can't resist taking a foto of the Sa-aat people!

Another market that Claudia brought us to. It's more like a wholesaler market. Everything they have is in bulks!

I took this picture and I stood there............

for another 2 hours to turn dark before taking this foto at the same spot!

: p If you believe me, den you are really a ............. hahhhahahaha! : p

Our 3rd day's dinner! Back at the Vietnam Marche! Ordered alot of food!

Snails........

Beef with fries!

Bread with some minced meat!












North and South Vietnamese Rice soaked in wine. Bleah.........! Inedible! horrible! It's rice soaked in who knows what alcohol! Wah! Very choking! Thkfully it was cheap! Nvr finished! : s







Chendol in Vietnam! This is good! Must try! : )

On my way way to Phnom Penh! 6 hours on the road!

A fried spider! Cool! Got Mab to buy for me! Cost about 700 riel. The legs taste like crab meat. As for the body, i suspected the meat is marinated with sweet sauce and thus taste a bit like Char Siew!

Fried crickets! A packet of about 10 pieces cost about 2500 riel. It took me a few good seconds before I took the first munch. Taste like prawns with shell!

On our way to Svey Rieng! Have to cross the river to get to the other side.

This is Savy, Sopheat and Preney. Savy and Sopheat are interns with the church. Savy is based in Kampong Speu and Sopheat in Phnom Penh. Preney is Rev Tit Hieng's 2nd daughter.

Arhhhh. Finally, another foto of the Sa-aat one! : )

At Svey Rieng, Rev Tit Hieng decided to show me a side of him that I didn't know! Fishing! Pretty skillful with the net and he caught quite a good catch! I had a try at the net. No joke siah! It was pretty heavy. 2 attempts and I caught 1 fish! Not bad for a first attempt!

What's in my hand? A frog which Rev Hieng caught during his fishing! Poor guy!

An enlarged version of my poor friend! I witnessed how it was killed and skinned alive! : x

Well during my stay in Cambodia, I decided not to take too much fotos! Dun wan to make it seems like it's some kind of tour for me! So the later fotos are fast forward. The last few days in Phnom Penh!

Here is a foto of Ninia, Nita's sister. A look at her and you will think she is one cute little girl from the neighbourhood. Guess again! She is 19 and studying in Uni. Haha! She is cute but also 'deadly'. Once she opens her mouth, you may need to take a few yards back. Haha!

The day that I was leaving! I took foto with Sopheat and Phun. Phun is one of the guards in CCOP!

And this is Barang (Lina's nephew) and Preney. Bought them a box of chocolate each and was trying to 'teach' them to share! Haha!

Well! This kinda end my 16days adventure in Cambodia! So fast! Way too fast! I wish it can last longer! And I wish I can share my dreams with someone! : )

Cambodia

Joum Reap Su'er! Sok Sobai Dtey? (Hello! How's everybody? - Khmer)

I'm back from Cambodia! Once again! This ends my 5th trip to Cambodia! And I must say this is the most adventurous (according to my experience) trip that I had. Had earlier flew in into Ho Chi Minh with Daniel on 6 Dec. This is my first time flying out of Singapore for a holiday trip on my own with a friend (those trips to Malaysia, no count). And really blessed! Known Daniel for so many years, we never got to go travelling together. Even for Mission trips, we've nvr been on the same trip. The year when we were supposed to go on the same trip, he had to 'cripple' himself. Haha! And indeed it's such a joy and blessing to travel with him.
When we were in HCM, we met up with Claudia. Really thank God for Claudia because she really took the effort to arrange for our accomodation and our MUST have FOOD! By God's love and grace, one of Claudia's colleague was back hometown and we got to stay at the colleague's apartment. Woo hoo! Daniel and I kinda roam the streets and tried some local delights (hmmm... delights??) And Claudia during her free time would bring us to places with wonder food. Haha! So for those who are concern and been praying for her, trust me, she is doing so well over here, but please do not stop praying for her! : )
As for me, I found this food that I cannot resist in HCM. The roadside "Subway". Woo hoo! It's basically, baguette with fillings. They had some meat fillings or egg. I personally love the egg. I think during my stay there, I ate about 4 1/2. And it's cheap! About 50 cents for a 5 feet. My goodness! : ) Well! I will update more on the trip with photos on a later postings.
So after my 3 days stay in HCM, my real adventure was about to start. My lone journey to Cambodia. I've nvr done such things before. I've always wanted to but I nvr got the chance and my parents will surely be nagging at me. Haha! I'm 26 and I'm a guy! Let me live wild! Hehehe! Even as I sat on the coach, I was filled with mixed feelings. The excitement, the joy, the enthusiasim of the journey and going to Cambodia were clouded with the anxiety of worries (most of them are silly). What if I took the wrong coach? What if this coach is a 'black' coach? What if the coach was a tool of the terrorists or rebels? (bus-bomb) What if this what if that? Ai yoh! I must be too 'koo koo' in my mind alreadi lah! Haha!
Well the 6 hours ride was pretty smooth sailing! Before I knew it, I was in Cambodia! The next thing was to get to church compound. So I got a BMW Motordob and tried my best means to show him where I want to go. Without fail, they never know the Street Number. And my best recognition of the Church was the Goldengate Hotel and it was something that they knew. So after another 5min of ride, I was in CCOP! Sorsal Preyong M'cha! (Praise the Lord! - Khmer)
So proud of myself! I, by myself, make it to Phnom Pehn, alive. Hehehe!
And during my 16 days stay in PP, it was such a blessings. I was so well taken care of. Everybody was treating me so nice, like I am part of their family. I felt as if I was really a Khmer! Yes! OK FINE! A KHMER WHO CAN'T SPEAK KHMER! I'm learning ok! I had been to Cambodia so many times but I nvr got a chance to get to know the CCOP staff. I can't even remember some of their names. Now I do! And really have to thank Kareng Bulu for her good care of me this little brother. And also these trips, I get to know a few more new friends from S'pore! Got to know the COGs Team! Interesting bunch of pple! Especially the Team Leader! Uncle Pak Chi (hope i spell it correctly) Serious and stern looking but can be very easy going and funneh! His 'China thermometer'! Joke of the the week! Will take more on next postings. Then also got a chance to know Shuling and Shirley, 2 young fine ladies who have great love and passion for the Khmers! Then I also get to meet the SJSM Team! Had the chance to work with them a fair bit. High powered pple but yet with humility to serve the pple of Khmer! Indeed this trip had been so fruitful! So fruitful, my tiny winy brain cannot contain them! : p
One thing for sure, nothing is going to stop me from visitng Cambodia! Next year! Siem Reap and PKH! Would want to go in April or slightly later but den horh, it is the hottest period! Wait later! I get heat stroke again! Haha! Well! See how! Anybody keen to join me! Pls don't hesitate!

Preyong srorline Kampuchea! (God loves Cambodia)

Phobia

Everybody has phobia. I have and had a lot of phobias. When I was young, I was afraid of the dark. I couldn't sleep with the lights off. So I would resort to having the lights on when I go to bed. It didn't work too well because my parents kept telling me off for not switching off the lights when I sleep. So I changed my approach. After I off the lights, I would quickly jump into bed and throw my blanket over me, from head to toe. Come to think about it, it was quite silly. What's the point of covering myself with the blanket. It's like the ostrich sticking its head into the ground when it is afraid, thinking that by not able to see, the problem will disappear. And the blanket approach didn't last long. My dad would find me cover with the blanket and he would tell me off, saying that I would suffocate myself. So I was left with no choice. I had to deal with the issue - the issue of darkness. So one night, I decided I would just be brave and face the darkness. Initially, it was pretty awful. The mind started to play tricks. It seemed that every second or other, there would be a noise. But I guess with many more such brave attempts, I slowly outgrew my fear of the dark. Now, there will be times I will stare blankly into the darkness of my room and (anticipatingly) hope that I can see some 'interesting' thing. Haha!

Another phobia of mine is claustrophobia. It is a symptom of panic when enclosed in an area. I never knew why I had such a phobia as I never had a bad experience. But I know I have it since young. So far, I haven't been too badly affected by this phobia except for 1 incident. I remembered when I was in Secondary school and we had an excursion to Science Centre. In the exhibition, there was this maze which was make up mirrors. So when you stepped into the maze, all you see was reflections. After walking through the maze for a while, I started to feel claustrophobic. So I accelerated my steps. Bad choice. It worsened my condition as the reflection from the mirror make me feel like I was trapped in the mirror. By the time I exited out of the maze, I was hyperventilating. And my mind was badly traumatised. When somebody talked to me or if I do an action, everything seemed to have a time lapse before my brain received the full signal. NO JOKE! I thought I was gone. haha!

Fear of heights. One phobia that I have not fully overcome. I remembered when I was young, I hated crossing the overhead bridge. It was too scary for me. But sadly, I had to use the bridge often. So I engineered the best way to cross the bridge in the quickest way. When I hit the top of the bridge, I would aline myself in the middle and make a 50m dash. haha! So funneh siah! My family would always tease me over this little run of mine. Slowly, I outgrew but yet it was not fully overcome. In my army days, I had difficulties crossing the Jacob's Ladder. I was stuck at the peak and it was so humorous to think about it because all the Specialists and Officers were afraid that I slipped and were very 'nice' and 'caring', encouraging me to take my time and cross the ladder. I doubt I would ever overcome this fear. Bungee jumping???

Fear of the sea. I dun know if there's a scientific term for this type of phobia. Initially, it was fear of water. I had 2 drowning incidents when I was young. Thankfully, my mum send me for swimming lesson after the incidents. I overcome the fear of water. However, I still cannot overcome the fear of the sea. Even though I know I can swim, I know that the sea cannot anyhow play play one. Especially when there are currents. So when I take boat, I won't really dare to stand at the side. Looking at the sea makes me feel like it will swallow me any moment. And every waves that sweep towards me seem to be enticing me make the leap into the water. Eeerrrieeee.

How do we overcome phobia? Sometimes, the best way is to deal with it face to face. Like fear of water. The best way is to experience what water is like. Go into the shallow water first. And once comfortable, slowly, move to a deeper area. It has to be progressive. But what if something bad happen along the way. What if you were starting to feel confident in the deeper water, and somebody come along and start to push you into the water? It may cause the person to have deeper fear of that element.

Hai Sians (Seafood?)

Hai Sing High, now know as Hai Sing Catholic, was my Secondary School. I still could remember all those years in school, the fun, the laughter, the crazy things we do, the struggles, the friendship, everything was a part of me. I guess that was one of my best 4 yrs spent in school. I do enjoy my other years of school but just that Secondary was like my highlight. Primary school was fun but I guess I was a crybaby and timid boy so most of the time I was spending worrying over everything. Then JC was fun too, had alot of friends but for me most of the time was struggling to climb out of the red zone.
Secondary was fun becoz it was a transition from a little boy to a youth. It seemed like suddenly the world was more than it meets the eyes. There were so much more things to explore. (especially girls... ops! haha!) And I really thank God for friendship that was formed during Secondary sch. I have to admit that I was very not active with the activities they organised but yet they have been very gracious and accepting. Even after 10 yrs we left sch, we were still meeting up. It is very interesting and funny to think back 10 yrs ago on the things we do. When we were in Sec 1, we formed our different sects in the class. The girls had 3 sects and the guys had 4 sects. And within the sects we had like a Family Tree. And it can get very complicated. Like Girl A could be Boy B's daughter but because Girl A is like linked to Boy C and happened that Boy C is a 'brother' of Boy B, the whole relationship gets messed up. So extrapolate this results to a class of 40. You can see how messy we all are. The girls didn't have name for their sects but the guys did. One of the sects is called the "Roller Hawks" because they roller blade and rollerblade hockey was the in thing at my time. Another sect was called the TERA because they are made up of 4 memebers and they used the 1st initial of their name to form the word TERA. My sect is called the SPECS. 5 of us and we are called SPECS because we all wear specs. Haha! Lame I know! But I'm proud! The last group was a very mean and sad case. I guess we were all immature and insensitive at that age. Those who were not in any particular sect was defaulted into the last sect, known as the Turtle Tribe. I dun know who came up with the name (i suspect it was me! : p) but come to think about it, it's funny but mean. (i was a part time meany in class; yes i can be very mean) After Sec 2, we broke into our different streams but yet we never forget our friendship. Up to now, TERA, SPECS and the 12 girls sects are still meeting up. Really thank God for these wonderful friendship. And it is also amazing lah!
One of the guys from the Turtle Tribe and one of the sister of the12 girl sects were hitched together since Secondary Sch. And they just got married a few months back. Haha! Den also one of the brothers in my sect is attached to one of the sister in the 12 girls sects. Wuaahahahaha! It cannot get any better. Interesting! Will there be more interesting things? We shall see!

Let's talk abit more about my sect, the SPECS. I cannot exactly how our sect formed. I did remember the 1st day of sch in our class, the form teacher told us to go walk around and introduce ourself. I remembered I walk to these guy who was like way too tall den the normal sec 1 boys like us. And then the next thing I knew was that he became our Da Ge (big brother). Our Big Brother - Chan Kah Seng. He is 2 yrs older than all of us. His parents open Wan Tan Mee at Pasir Ris Central. Very good! Must go and try. And presently he is married to his wife who is pregnant with twins, 1 girl 1 boy! Wow! Amazing.
And my 2nd Brother - Yong Kian Leong. Humorous is an understatement for him. Without fail, at all circumstances, he will crack your mouth open. Best known for his unbeatable tongue. But you will once in a while see the quiet side of him as well.
And 3rd Brother - Choo Xianjie. Oh that's me! haha! What do i say about myself?
4th Brother - Toh Meng Lee. The arty farty one. Haha! Creative juice flowing in every part of his body. Adventurous. He is the 1st among us to go abroad to work. Quiet but when he opens his mouth, your mouth will also be wide open. Haha!
5th Brother - Chai Jian Wei. Though the youngest, do not underestimate him. One of the brainy. Can be quiet but once open mouth...... you know the results. (i guess that's one of the trademark of the SPECS) He is the one who is attached to one of the sister in the 12 girls sect. It was so low-profile that we only knew it when they were holding hands. Yup! He has his ways with the girls. Muahaha!

A quick run through of my sect. Presently only me and my 2nd brother is free agent. The rest are taken. Interested, pls apply. Muahahahahaaha!

Well! Secondary is the best time in my life. If I can, I would want to go through again. And I missed the Canteen food. Haha!

Actually, I decided to post about Hai Sing was because I remembered singing this hymns during Morning assembly. But I couldn't fully remember the lyrics. The tune attracted me at that time. Now as I read the lyrics, it is so meaningful but I just can't recall the full lyrics. I am appealing to anyone who can help me fill in the missing parts. Thanks!

SPIRIT WINGS (if i didn't remember wrongly)

Some birds live in cages
They sing a quiet song
And like them
I could sing for only You

But Lord Your love release me
To sing a different song
And soar above
The captive life I knew

Chours:
Spirit Wings
You lift me over all the earth bound things
And like a bird my heart is flying free
????????
????????
You lift me up
????
????
You carry me on Your Spirit Wings

Words of Wisdom

Suddenly remembered 2 things that I heard someone else mention and I thought it was very important. Was afraid that I forget, so I decided to post it and also may it be a blessing to those who read it.

"Speak your mind! But mind what you speak!"

"You can count the number of seeds in a fruit. But you cannot count the number of fruits in a seed."

黑夜的彩虹 (Revised Version)

黑夜的彩虹

Key: E
词曲： 顯杰

Verse 1:

冬天 雪飘落

花朵枯而掉落

黑暗 的吞没

使我不知所措

寻寻觅觅

没有着落

但我心中

有个希望

不停紧握

Chorus:

黑夜的彩虹

我再也不迷惘

只因祢是我

唯一的希望

赐我力量

赐我平安

赐给我自由

黑夜的彩虹

Verse 2:

狂风和暴雨

吹走我的信心

黑暗的侵袭

使我措手不及

心灰意冷

想要放弃

但我心中

有个希望

不停紧握

Coda:

虽然 雪飘落

但心中有一盏火

黑暗 虽吞没

但祢是我的彩虹

我唯一的希望

黑夜的彩虹

I WROTE MY OWN ENDING! IRONY!

These are abstract of my previous posts (with dates). A little story I tried to write.

Monday, February 13, 2006

The Flower, The Butterfly and The Bee

The flower stood in the midst of the field. As the wind blew, the flower swayed to the rhythm. And the flower fell into bits and pieces of its memory. It still remember the days when there will be a butterfly which will frequently fly past and ocassionally pay a visit to the flower. The butterfly was gorgeous and the flower was deeply attracted to it. But not long after, the butterfly flew by lesser and eventually it disappeared. The flower was disappointed and waited day after day, hoping that it will have a glance of the butterfly. And again it was disappointed. And its memory of the butterfly is also fading but it still refuse to give up. Meanwhile in this tiring waiting, the flower was also visited by this bee, a hardworking and talented bee. Everyday, without fail, the bee will pay a visit to the flower. The flower is amazed by the capability of the bee. However, its memory of the butterfly, though vague, is still holding on to the flower. What should the flower do?

(Ending Number 1)
Thursday, August 24, 2006

As time passed, the memories of butterfly faded with the passing seasons. The flower stood where it was and will be daily sunned and showered with love. The flower stood firm and grew daily. At the same time, the bee will also without fail return to the flower. The friendship between the flower and the bee grew. Once in a while, when the bee visit the flower, the bee will take a rest on the petal and both of them will talk - talk abt anything under the sun. The flower was really comfortable to be with the bee. One day, a heavy storm blew over the field. The flower stood where it was braving the storm. The flower knew the bee was not coming and so it could just glimpsed over to the tree where the bee is living in. And to the flower's shock, the bee was with another bee. The flower was saddened. The next day, the bee came to visit the flower and this time, the bee introduced its fren bee to the flower. The flower was totally devastated........ You want to know wat the flower did?......................It invited both bees into the flower and close up its petal, and slowly let them suffocate and die a miserable death. Oh! I forgot to mention. The flower is actually an insect-eating flower. Muahahahhahaahahhahhahaha.

(Ending Number 2)
Friday, December 29, 2006

The flower stood there waiting and waiting. The flower still remembered the butterfly paying visits to the flower. The bee had always without fail been visiting the flower as well. The flower is confused. None of it make sense. At one point, the flower looked up into the sky. It saw the sun which governs the day and the moon which governs the night. After many days and nights looking at the sky, the flower was enlightened. The flower has an answer to its problem. It's neither the butterfly nor the bee. There is an even greater thing installed for the flower. As the flower continue to wait in anticipation, the flower petals start to wither. The flower was gone. However, at the end of the withered flower, a small fruit starts to grow. As the fruit grew, it knew that in it contains the seeds that will bear more fruits it can imagine.

If I had known... God's sense of humor.

黑夜的彩虹

黑夜的彩虹

Key: E
词曲： 顯杰

Verse:

冬天 雪飘落

花朵枯而掉落

黑暗 的吞没

使我不知所措

Pre-Chorus:

寻寻觅觅

没有着落

但我心中

有个希望

不停紧握

Chorus:

黑夜的彩虹

我再也不迷惘

只因祢是我

唯一的希望

赐我力量

赐我平安

赐给我自由

黑夜的彩虹

Coda:

虽然 雪飘落

但心中有一盏火

黑暗 虽吞没

但祢是我的彩虹

我唯一的希望

黑夜的彩虹

Rainbow in the darkness. No matter how dark it is, I know You are there for me and Your promise to me is faithful. It is my wish to get out of the darkness but it's just too hard, just too tired, just too scared, just too hurt. I know You are the Light that will lead me out of the darkness but as for now, one step at a time. One step at a time. Lord, give me the strength to overcome my pschological barrier, give me peace that whatever I do, I will be holy for You, give me freedom that I will not be entangle with things that draw me away from You. Lord, be my Rainbow, be the Light and hope of my life. This is my prayer!

John Paxson

1 SHOT! 3 POINTS!

END THE GAME AND SEASON!

Humor

New school semester:

At the first week:

At the second week:




Before the mid-term test:




During the mid-term test:




After the mid-term test:




Before the final exam:




Once know the final exam schedule:




7 days before final exam:




6 days before final exam:




5 days before final exam:




4 days before final exam:




3 days before final exam:




2 days before final exam:




1 day before final exam:




A night before final exam:





1 Hour before exam:




During the Final Exam:





Once walk out from the exam hall:




After the final exam, during the holiday:




This is so funneh! Found it off somebody's blog. (actually found it on this blog which belongs to this guy whose name is also xianjie) Once I saw these, I just couldn't stop laughing at it. So comical. Really thank God for humor. Humor is so important especially for me.
During the Great Depression time, humor was one of the things that keep people going on. That's how Charlie Chaplin came about. It brought joy and humor to people, helping them to forget or at least be distracted away from the sad side of life.
I guess that is a reason why I like to make a 'mockery' of myself. In itself, it's a humor but yet it is how I cover up my fears, my low-self esteem, my miseries, basically those parts of me that I never wanted to be part of me. That explains why I can act so immaturedly at many times with my self-mockery humor. Dun ask me to be more matured for maturity is not measured by what I do or say during 'peaceful' times but rather how I react sensibly and considerably during tough and difficult times.

Blink Blink!

After going to church, I left for East Point Mall to run some errand. As I was walking through East Point Mall, I had a glance of a very familiar face. Was that Evelyn Tan? Arggghhhhh! I thought so but I needed to run an errand so I couldn't go and 'stalk' her. Hahahhahaha! So after finishing my errand, I went back to East Point Mall and there she was at the foyer. Muahahaha! I walked closer to just make sure it was really her. And indeed it was her. YEah! Ok! Let me clarify. This is not some kind of lustful or fantasy hobby. It is just that I really admire her for her ability to act and yes I must say she is attractive (in a positive way).

Well! She is married to Darren Lim, also an actor. I heard a story about them lah. Not too sure how true but if it's real, I'm not surprised. Darren Lim had a hard time chasing her not because she was playing hard to catch. Rather at the initial stage, Evelyn was a Christian and Darren wasn't. So she had a reservation. Even after Darren Lim converted, it was not an easy for him as he had to 'prove' his conversion authentic. So only time will tell. So eventually, after many years, efforts paid off, both are happily married with a child. Yeah!....

Here's a makeover photo of her....

House of the LORD

On Wednesday, I went to church to play guitar for Chapel Service. During the Scripture Reading, Psalm 27 was being read. As it was being read, I remembered I wrote a song based on this chapter.
I wrote this song last year. I was in the chapel and a tune came into my head. I noted down the melody. I didn't have any inspiration on the words so I decided to take up the Bible to look for something that I could use as inspiration. And Psalm 27 spoke to me.
If the Lord is my Saviour, who should I be afraid of. If the Lord is the stronghold of my life, who can tear my life apart. As I dwell in the house of the Lord, I know I am in safe hands.

HOUSE OF THE LORD

Date: 10 Nov 2006
Composer: Xianjie

Inspiration: PSALM 27
Key: D#

Verse:
The Lord is my light and my salvation
Of whom shall I fear
The Lord is the stronghold of my life
Of whom shall I be afraid

Pre-Chorus:
When my enemies and foes attack me (they stumble and fall)
Though an army besiege me (my heart will not fear)
Though war breakout against me
Even then
Will I be confident

Chorus:
One thing I ask of the Lord
This is what I seek
To dwell in the house of the Lord
He'll keep me safe in His dwelling
O Hide me in His shelther
And set me high upon a rock
In the house of the Lord

Coda:
In the house of the Lord
In the house of the Lord
In the house of the Lord

Do not take IRON pills and ask Y!

IRONY! We or rather I watch alot of drama serials on the TV. And many a time, I will laugh off at the stupid plot and comment, "How can such thing ever happen? Too drama already lah! If really happen to someone, that someone really 'suai kia' (unlucky kid). " And many a time, I was laughing in advance at myself.
My life is too filled with drama and I don't know why. "Suai"? Nah! I dun believe in luck. Then why it happens on me? I don't have an answer. But I know the Lord teaches me through all these episodes of drama. So honored. I am the main actor of this "X.J Drama Series". Haha!

Today, once again an irony of life happen right in front of my face. I was supposed to report for my reservist. The MINDEF revocating me to a driver. When I reached the camp, I had to fill in a form. We were all told to declare any medical condition. So I thought since I was diagnosed with slight colour deficiency, I better declare just for precaution. In fact, I was quite happy I was in this course. ARMY give me free licence. Take lorh! So after filtering out the forms, the administrative officer started to call out name
The first group was those who don't have uniforms. I've no idea why they dun have uniforms. Don't tell me they assume that after ORD, they can dispose them off. So there were 2 of them. And the AO told them to go this far far away camp in the North East to buy their uniform. I nearly dropped to the floor laughing. I was speculating that in their mind they were cusing and swearing. Want to get out of course, try harder siah!
So the next group was those who had medical condition. Another classic. After gathering them, the AO told them they had to go to a very far away camp in the North (Choa Chu Kang) to see the Medical Officer. Wahahahahaha! I nearly cracked a hole in the floor. At that moment, many of them started to comment that the medical condition was history. Haha! Nice try siah! But they all still had to go. I couldn't help but to think that all these people just want to 'chao keng'.
Unexpectedly, my name was the last to be called. I wondered why! The AO asked me about my colour deficiency and I told her that I was diagnosed during my enlistment checkup. I told her shouldn't be a problem but she insisted that I go for Medical Review. This time round, I nearly drop to the floor. Wah! From the east all the way to the west. Xian 1/2! Waste my time and money. I dun mind taking this course siah! I shouldn't have bothered to declare. Thkfully a few of us shared cab.
So there were about 11 of us who went to see the MO and all of us were deemed unfit for the course. The MO even said that I shouldn't be driving at all with my colour deficiency condition. Hahha! Anybody still want to hitch a ride when I'm driving???? And I also learn one valuable lesson this afternoon. Not to be so quick at judging people. To be honest, all the rest who went to see the MO were all genuine cases.
So this prematuredly end my 1st reservist. WoohoooO! Freedom!
But Choa Chu Kang far siah! (Haha! Maybe shd have tried visiting somebody!!! ^.^")

Cambodia 07

On the 15 Sep (Sat), I had agreed to help the Khmer staff in the Children Ministry works in Kampong Speu. It was their bi-weekly ministry work in Kampong Speu. Since I was so free, I thought it was good for me to witness how they ran their CM and also in the hope that I was of any help. The start off was early. I had to be in church by 7.30am. When we set off, there were Nita, Lina and another lady (i think it was Raj's wife - Raj is one of the driver in CCOP) I was sitting in the front with Raj. I think we travelled for nearly an hour before coming to a stop at the church in Kampong Speu. It was a simple one room house with a shelthered shed as the hall. This is also where Pastor Joshua stays. And it was also my first time seeing his wife. I was actually very delighted for Pastor Joshua because I did remember that 6 yrs back, the concern was for him to get married quickly so that he could concentrate on his work in church. Hahaha! And now he is going to be a father very soon. I was told that his wife was Raj's daughter. Wahahaaha! Wah!
At the church, we picked up some people and children before setting off to the 1st venue. We travelled for about a good 1/2 hour. And it was my mistake not to go 'bong kun' (toilet in khmer) at the church compound. I was having high tide and the vehicle had to go through this stretch of dirt road, filled with potholes. My goodness! With every bump, it was antangonising for me. Haha! Finally, reached the place and I quickly found a good spot. (in the 'ulu ulu' area, the toilet is everywhere. just make sure you find a good spot) Under a good shelthered area, a piece of ground sheet and that's all it takes to have a CM. The children swamped over. There were easily 40 children. Nita and Esther (one of the youths in Kampong Speu) started off with worship. No instrument compliment, no fanciful things but just purely voices and actions and the children are worshipping the Lord. How amazing. Simple but yet so powerful. And after the worship, Nita taught on the story of Samson. Though I didn't know what she was saying but the children were very attentive. And at the end of the session, goodie bags and clothes were distributed. We break for lunch before moving to another 2 more areas. The girls were joined by another youth by the name of Sa Vey (my spelling) who is the elder sister of Esther.
I remember Esther during the Youth Camp. She and another girl were presenting their discussions answers. And both of them were very comical which made the session very interesting. A very bubbly and yet very comical young lady.
Sa Vey on the other hand seemed to be the quieter one. But she was very friendly. She just came up to talk to me. Can see that both she and her sister have a great passion for the children. She just finished her high school and I believe very much she does want to further her studies. But I am afraid it will be quite unlikely. The norm is to complete high sch and start working.
As for Nita, I think she has matured a lot (from my previous observation). I remembered I knew her about 4 years back. Back then, she was still a bit shy shy and wasn't very confident. Even as she taught on this day, I saw she taught with passion, with authority, with love, with confidence.
I really thank God for all these ladies who have put in so much effort and commitment to spread the love of God. May the Lord continue to bless them richly.

While talking to Sa Vey, she was saying that she learnt about Singapore in her school and she was saying that Singapore is a very good country. At that moment, I just agreed with her. When I was on my way back, I was thinking very hard what she said. A good country. What makes a country good? The prosperity, the safety, the infrastructure, the government, the living standard? I must say in terms of all these, we are definitely at a high standard. But if these are to be our considerations for a country to be a good country, then Cambodia has fallen way short of it. So is Cambodia a bad country? No! So, what then makes a country good? If it's not the physical or tangible things, then what is it? I was thinking hard until the Lord spoke. A country is good because of His goodness, regardless of how prosperous or poor the country is. So Singapore is good because the Lord is good to Singapore. So is Cambodia a good country? Yes, because the Lord is good to Cambodia.
My point at drawing this lesson is that our mind is still very much thinking like the world. Our thinking and consideration are very tilted to what we have and what we see. And we tend to hold on these things very dearly. And we do this, we find ourselves very unwillingly to let go and follow where the Lord leads us. Let us not look at the things we want, we have but let us look at the goodness of God for He will never shortchange us.

Where the Lord leads me, I will follow.
Not my will but Yours be done!

How true? I Wonder!!!

Haha! Well! For all those men out there (including myself), EAT THESE!


Q. HOW MANY MEN DOES IT TAKE TO PUT A TOILET SEAT DOWN?
A. don't know - it never happened

Q: What do you call an intelligent, good looking, sensitive man?
A: A rumor

Q: Why do little boys whine?
A: They are practicing to be men.


One day a housework-challenged husband decided to wash his Sweat-shirt.
Seconds after he stepped into the laundry room, he shouted to the wife, "What setting do I use on the washing machine?"
"It depends," the wife replied. "What does it say on your shirt?"
He yelled back, "Hard Rock Cafe - Singapore."


MY FAVOURTIE:

Dear Lord,
I pray for Wisdom to understand my man;
Love to forgive him;
And Patience for his moods.
Because, Lord, if I pray for Strength,
I'll beat him to death.
AMEN

If All These Were True

(DISCLAIMER: The statements made below are purely for personal entertainment and have no truth in them nor do they represent my opinions. )

HEALTH Q&A Session:

Q: I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio? (This my favourite)
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me


Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape


I am not sure if I will heed the 'advises' but one thing for sure I know is that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). A healthy body will be able to serve the Lord in a greater capacity.

I want a healthy body. 1 body and 1 fat ratio. (healthier fat ratio, i meant : p )

Cambodia 06

This is my 4th trip to Cambodia. Every trip is getting more exciting and challenging for me.
In 2002, I went to Cambodia for the 1st time. I was simply a member. And I was the 1st to stay there for 2 weeks in one trip. Ok not really the 1st. Jenny stayed for 2 weeks as well on that trip. It was fantastic. The feeling was like indescribable. I immediately adapted to the food, environment, the slow-paced style. It was liked I was back home. Haha!
In 2004, I once again returned to Cambodia. This time round, I was leading the team of youths. It was an amazing trip. It wasn't an easy trip as I have to manage the team's, indivduals', mission's and personal needs and expectations. But the Lord was good to bless me with so many Youth Advisors who came along. Haha!
In 2006, I was back in Cambodia again. Now as a Youth Advisor. Haha! My responsibility was getting 'bigger' every subsequent trip. Haha! It was a total new experience, having to refrain myself from not doing too much 'things'. I am more of a 'ground-work' person. Having to 'sit' in a 'high-management' role is not my cup of tea. But then again, it was a good learning experience.
Within every span of 2 years, I have been returning to Cambodia. The love for Cambodia is getting stronger. Do I have to wait another 2 years before making a trip back?
Nah! 9 months later, I was back. This time as an invited speaker for the Youth Camp. I was very honoured. No joke siah! Ask me to share a message at such a grand event. Furthermore, it was an overseas camp. To me it was a very big event. And to expect me to share for 3 1/2 hours (with translation), it was a big task. Back in Singapore, the longest I shared was 1 hour (without translation). But by God's grace, He gave me the words to speak. Indeed, the Lord is good. And I guess I was very encouraged by the youths on how they repsonded to my sharing of my testimony. They commented that they would wait for me to return to finish up the 'story'. Haha! Yup! I'm sure the Lord will help me to finish the 'story'.
Well! Now I am back in Singapore for a week and I am missing Cambodia so much. When will I be able to make a trip back? I hope this year end. Target: 2 weeks. Muahahhahaha!

Cambodia 05

Beside getting to know people in Cambodia, I managed to remember the names of the 3 dogs that were guarding CCOP. Haha! Fantastic dogs. So lovely and each has its own characters. They are called Marko (light brown), Buddy (Blackish) and Milo (dark brown).

Marko is an old dog. Can see its aged body lines. But he is the loviest dog among the 3. It will stroll to me and sit beside me, yearning for me to stroke and pat it. And without fail, I will entertain its wishes and it will reciprocrate with a happy and comfortable look. However, it was the timidiest of all. When there's a commotion or raining, it will scramble to a hiding place.

Buddy is a pretty active dog. It is curious and will always follow Milo. Whenever something happen or Milo reacts to an incident, Buddy will follow suit. There was this incident when after Milo had killed a rat, Buddy came and tried to nibble at the dead rat. So funny. And let me warn you first, Buddy don't like pple to stroke or pat its head. It will retaliate with a gentle attempt to bite at your hand.

Milo is the obvious lead dog. It is alert, fast and gives no nonsense. When there's a commotion, it will be the first dog to investigate. It is also responsible. It was raining one afternoon and it spotted a rat. Without much consideration, it leaped an attack on the rat. And the rat had not much chance. So the rat was killed and even while floating on the water, Milo continued to inject its fatal bite at the rat. Wow! Vicious! Haha! However, it is still a very friendy dog.

I really miss them, especially Marko. So nice for Marko to come to me and let me stroke it. So sweet. Let's hope Marko will be strong and able to live longer. I do want to see it when I return to Cambodia on the next trip.

Cambodia 04

We reached PKH at about 3pm. Many of the youths had reached PKH. We settled our lodgings and were waiting at the shed. Some of the youths started playing soccer and I joined in. They played quite impressively. Haha! During my stay at PKH, I got to talk with some of the youths. Those names that I could remember were Tan, Bun Rong, Sou Vuth. Tan and Bun Rong are students at PKH. Sou Vuth is a staff at PKH.

On the 2nd day, Rev Edwin shared his message in the morning. He shared about Joshua and his background and how despite of his circumstances, he was still able to find favour in the Lord. And during the night service, an altar call was called and many of the youths responded.

On the 3rd day, it was my turn to share. I had done all my preparations. I wasn't feeling unprepared but I was still unsettled. I was worried if I could be able to share for such a long time. The whole session was about 3 1/2 hours (with translation). I have never shared for such a long session. At most 1 hour. And I was worried if I would make any sense to them. I shared these with Rev Edwin the night before and he told me just focus on what I have to share and the rest leave it to God. And amazingly, even when I broke my sharing into 4 sessions, I had to shorten my last 2 sessions so in order not to exceed the given time. Indeed praise the Lord. And during the afternoon sharing of their discussions, they were able to share from what I had shared with them. I was really very encouraged. And most importantly, many of them remembered my sharing of my testimony. After the sharing, they were all teasing me that I should come back again to finish up the story. Haha! Let's hope so!

But I am definitely grateful to God! When things seem so trialing and hard, the only thing we can do is to trust in God. He is faithful and He will provide ways, means and solutions to our problems. And this episode was really a boost in my trust in God. May I continue to draw strength from the Lord. And my prayer is that what the youths have learnt from the 2 days of lesson, it will not just be head-knowledge but it will be something that they treasure seriously and will apply in their lives. Only time will tell! And let's pray for them that they will all indeed become men and women of Christ.

Cambodia 03

On that Monday early morning when I was leaving Singapore, I was still having the mixed feelings. It was a school day and it was early in the morning. I knew nobody was coming to send me off. The mixed feeling was very real and I guess it didn't help when I seemed alone. (No offense intended; it's just my feelings at that point of time) Still a very big thanks to Andrew Milner, Rev Wong and Leng Leng for sending us off. But I guess if people were to come to send us off, it wouldn't have helped either. I wanted to deal with the feelings. I don't want to run away or find ways to detour it. So I guess it was between me and God. Well! I did feel better after having a good breakfast at MacDonald and focusing on the things I needed to do in Cambodia help greatly.

That day after reaching Cambodia and after lunch, we went back to CCOP. There were quite a few youths who had come from different provinces. They were waiting for the bus that will bring them to PKH. I managed to strike a conversation with another youth.

His name is Chann Thoeurn. He is from the Province Svey Rien. He is presently studying in PKH. He has 2 elder sister and he is the only Christian. He likes English, Maths, Physics and Chemistry. He plays soccer and volleyball. He has also managed to share with me his testimony which I thought was very significant.

Here's the testimony (with his approval to share):

He wanted to learn English badly. However, he had no money to advance in his studies. So he prayed about it. His pastor told him about the school in PKH. So he tried to apply but his application was not approved. He did not give up and he continued to pray about it. 1 month later, he was told that his application to study in PKH was approved.

You may think that it is such a small issue but in fact it is not. Studying in Cambodia is not a guaranteed. Many wants to study more but they cannot because usually due to financial issues. In Singapore, we have the luxury of so many choices of education options that we tend to take it for granted. However, over there, people just want to study so badly. And with this testimony, it amplifies how great our God is. It reflects about who our God is and how He is able to help us in such times. It is a simple but yet powerful testimony. May we be able to draw a valuable lesson, learn to appreciate the luxury we have and most importantly to pray.

Cambodia 02

I really learnt so much during this trip. It was a total new experience and even a break through in my own spiritual life. I have spoken to more people in this trip than the other 3 trips combined together. Amazing. And it's not just a mere "Hi" and "Bye". Mostly are initiated by Rev Edwin but by being able to listen to their sharing, it really means so much. It is like a stray of light seeping through the little crack in the rock. It is like I am starting to get to know them, their lives, their background, their walk with God. It is so amazing.

The first day that we reached CCOP, Rev Edwin went to speak with a staff and I was left alone. Not really alone. There was another staff around. He was doing the gate duty at the time when we were there. I had 2 choices. Either to happily and comfortabily update my diary or to keep my diary, stand up, move my heavy legs towards him, smile at him, say "JOUM REAP SU ER", sit down, start a conversation, continue with the conversation and who knows what next. Hmmmmmm. It seems like the 1st choice was the obvious easiest choice. Somehow, the Lord convicted in my heart. Why am I here? If my purpose is just to come here and share my message and 'full-stop'', I miss the whole point. I wasn't here just for a task, I was here for the people. There's no point clocking the most number of times coming to Cambodia but yet, I do not even know a single person's lives. I was so convicted that I told God, "ai yah, whatever lah, my skin quite thick and won't lose any meat if I go and talk. If nothing to talk, then You will give me the words to say." So I walk over and had a chat with him.

His name is Vi Bol. He has been working in the church for 4 years. At present, he is waiting for his entrance results into a Methodist Bible School. He says he is from a province which is quite far from Phnom Penh. He has 4 younger siblings and he is the only Christian. He shared with me how he came to know Christ.

Though there's a limitation to how much we can express ourselves in language, nothing is impossible for God. And by knowing them, even if it's just a little bit about them, it helps because we can always keep them in prayer in a very real way. And through this little bits of them, we strive to get to know them even better. And even as I update on the people that I meet, may I ask that we just take some time to pray for them. A short prayer will suffice. And as I update, I will slowly reveal the people I have talked with and may this help us to know more about them.

May the Lord our God continue to help us to pray for one another as a body of Christ, no matter where we are, who are or what we are doing.

Cambodia 01

I really do not know what and how I should update about the Cambodia Trip. It is only a week long but yet the Lord has shown and spoken so much to me. I guess I will need a couple of days or maybe even a week to sort out my thoughts and experience. Well! For an appertiser, I'll start with the daily schedules of my week-long trip.



10 Sep Monday

Morning (Singapore Time)

0640 Check in
0650 Breakfast
0800 Board Plane
0930 Breakfast again

Afternoon (Cambodia Time)

1018 Arrived in Cambodia
Rev Tit Hieng fetched us
Went CCOP
1200 Lunch
1340 Left CCOP for PKH
1500 Reach PKH
Rest
Briefing by Khmer staff to the Youths

Evening

1800 Dinner
1900 Night Service by Rev Tit Hieng
Sweet Dreams


11 Sep Tuesday

Morning

Rise and Shine
Devotion
Breakfast
Teaching by Rev Edwin Tan

Afternoon

Lunch
Small group discussion + Skit Preparation
Games

Evening

Dinner
Night Service by Rev Edwin Tan
Sweet Dreams


12 Sep Wednesday

Morning

Rise and Shine
Devotion
Breakfast
Teaching by Xian Jie

Afternoon

Lunch
Small group discussion + Skit Preparation
Games

Evening

Dinner
Skit Presentation
Sweet Dreams


13 Sep Thursday

Morning

Rise and Shine
Devotion
Breakfast
Youths return back to Province
Set off for CCOP

Afternoon

Check in @ Golden Gate Hotel
Rest
Russian Market

Evening

Dinner @ Anise Hotel
Sweet Dreams


14 Sep Friday

Morning

Rise and Shine
Breakfast
Devotion

Afternoon

Lunch
Went to CCOP to join Staff Meeting
Farewell party for Karen Wong

Evening

Coffee and dessert
Sweet Dreams


15 Sep Saturday

Rise and Shine
Went CCOP
Xianjie joined staff for outreach in Kampong Speu (whole day)

Evening

Dinner
Sweet Dreams

16 Sep Sunday

Morning

Rise and Shine
Prayer
Went CCOP; Rev Edwin preaching at Khmer and English Service
Xianjie visited Church of Good Shepherd

Afternoon

Lunch
1520 Rev Tit Hieng send us to the airport
1730 Board Plane

Evening (Singapore Time)

2040 Reach Singapore

Time really flies. How I wish I have stayed another week! How I wish it will never ends! It is not just about feeling happy or excited being in Cambodia and meeing long-distanced friends. It is like the whole place, the people there are part of me. I am still waiting. Lord, You tell me!

Open the Container!

I'm back from Cambodia! So much things and thoughts! I'm not sure if I can finish updating. I guess I'm feeling a bit mixed after this trip. And all I can and want to say is that I cannot contain my silence anymore. I want to say it out loud.

FEAR

I dun know why but every new trip back to Cambodia always bring me greater excitement but yet also increasing fear. I believe I talked about this before in a pre-trip postings. The feeling is like I am going there for a long period or even for good. It is like alone in a total different culture, language, environment. It seems so taunting. It seems so intimidating. It feels like I have shrunk into a small midget amongst giants. Furthermore, having the responsibility to share God's word, it doesn't help. Haha!

I am not too sure why I am feeling like this or why God is allowing me to feel this way. Maybe to prepare me for the future? I dun dare to look that far! I do have a passion for Mission works. But yet to think about having to make big sacrifices to go to the Fields, I dun think I have the ability or capacity to do it at the present moment. That's why I always give my THUMBS-UP to all the Missionaries. They are really men and women of Christ.

Or maybe the Lord wants me to experience such feelings and teach me to manage such emotions. So in the future, I may be able to empathise and even share and help others to manage such emotions.

Or maybe, I am not even coming back after this trip. Haha! Ok! Lousy joke! (But who knows)

I pray that may this fear arises not because fear of men but rather the fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. May the Lord show me the way.

Pray for us. These are Rev Edwin and my schedules.

Monday - Touchdown
Tuesday - Morning: Rev Edwin Sharing
Afternoon: Small Group Discussion/Games
Night: Service conducted by Rev Tit Hieng
Wednesday - Morning: ME
Afternoon: Small Group Discussion/Games
Night: Service conducted by Rev Edwin
Thursday - Afternoon: Break camp/ Return to CCOP
Friday - Not confirmed; Most probably visitation of church members
Saturday - As above
Sunday - Morning: Rev Edwin Tan - Khmer and English Svc
- Evening: HOME SWEET HOME

The LORD is above everything

Who am I to judge who is right or wrong?
I am nothing but a servant of God.
And yet He loves me as His own child.
How great is His love for us.
I do not live my life as if I do not have a future.
I live a life for the One who gives me life.
He is above everything.
My feelings, my expectations, my ambitions, everything that is of me.

There are things that may seem hard to let go but in fact, it is not that hard.
If we can see that the Lord is above everything, there is nothing He cannot give us.
By letting go and letting God, we soar above everything with Him.
However, yet a wound is a wound. The wound may have stopped bleeding but it needs time to heal.
In His word, it is said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35
The Lord first loves me. I have no rights but yet I enjoy His unconditioned love for me. How can I then not recipocrate His love to others if I am called His disciples.
My only prayer is that the Lord teaches me to love more.

This tune and words were impressed upon me a year ago. It now serves a timely reminder to myself about God's unconditioned love for us.

FOR YOU

We may have hurt each other with our words and what we've done
We may have carried with us pain and shame
Life is all about moving on in God's grace and love
So let us look to Him,
The God of love
Who forgive and heal our pain

Jesus Christ, pour oil on our fire
Let the flame burn for You
Just for You
Standing hand in hand
We run the race
As we reach the line for You
Jesus Christ, pour oil on our fire
Fan the flame in us
Just for You
Our love for You is revealed in the love for one another
I live for You

27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 10:27