How?

How should you react when you are reminded of something you don't want to remember?

How do you graciously respond to the person who brought the matter up, when this person thought that you were already OK with it, when you were not? I mean, to be fair, this person didn't really know that I'd react in the way I did.

FYI, I didn't throw a tantrum or something. I just... was not happy :'( ~And I expressed it. With passion.

Does this mean that I have not moved on? Does this mean that I have not put behind the past completely? Nah, it perhaps means that I need to be more disciplined in doing Paul's Philippians 4:8 thingy. Guard my mind.

Sigh.

I forgive you simply because I love you. And it's not worth it - letting such invoked memories come in between us. Love is patient, kind... does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It doesn't dishonor the other, is not easily angered and keeps no records of wrongs. It does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

Thursday's muse

Our worship team had a rehearsal today for Tuesday's chapel service next week. Kevin, Pam, Chris, Winson, Stanford and myself.

I just love how my team humbles me and makes me thankful that the Holy Spirit is ultimately the worship-leader - and not I, myself. I am glad that I often feel inadequate as a leader, because I know that His strength is made perfect in my lack. We can indeed lean on His faithfulness, even though things may mess up on the day itself. More importantly - may we be able to worship Him with joy, awe and wonder in our hearts. I also enjoy learning fresh, new things from my team-members very much.

I love it that every musician takes ownership of his/her role and instrumental parts, throws out suggestions to improve the dynamics/flow of the songs (and not merely wait for my instructions and blindly stick with 'em). Gives his/her best to the Lord.

Well done, dear people!

Thursday.

Slept late last night, because I got caught up doing some work, which I thought was pretty fun...

Remember how gung-ho I was last year 'bout folding pretty origami boxes out of recycled magazine pages? Well, I made a whole lot of boxes... but I didn't know what to do with them *roll your eyes at me, yeah* - till yesterday, when I was wondering how to construct a organizer tray for the OTC meds in school....

TADA! Praise God for a brainwave!

Origami boxes to organize the meds!Each box is labelled with its indication, drug name and dosage - so that Pst. Sunny Khoo will have no problem figuring out what to do with them, when I'm not around. Hehe.

Tomorrow, I've gotta clean out the medicine store-room...There's simply icky dust everywhere now.

Wednesday

This is what happened in between classes today...

Again...the sleeping gang :P Actually, 4 of them were sleeping in a row at first. I only took this picture after 2 had left the sofa...

Some active discussion was going on in class...

Studying for exam...

So tired. We had an exam for Introduction To the Bible today, after chapel... Should have spent more time staring at the map of the Holy Land, instead of reading the whole stack of notes. What came out for our exam was unexpected - we had to label the map with the names of the different towns, rivers, seas, highlands, etc, etc...

Anyway, today a few of my friends from MBTS and I went to the Sizzling Chicken place next to Golden Sands Resort along Batu Feringghi for lunch. I haven't been there since the Music and Missions course last term. The food was good - but they seemed to have skimped on the meat quite a bit since the last time I was there. Loads of beansprouts though. Yum.

Chris and Dong Hoon (and our fruit juices)

Kevin and MatthewAi Hua and myself... the roses among the thorns :PAi Hua, me and Kevin

The gentleman - from left: Kevin, Matthew, Chris, Dong Hoon and Winson. Picture taken by Ai Hua. I tried to - but my violently shaking hands failed me (became the laughing-stock of the table too) - my hands always shake btw.

MLM training tonight. Last year's class photo:

Never say NEVER.

When I was in medical school (especially the very first few years), I remember sharing with my CG in Dublin, that I'd probably never sit in the office 9 to 5, and have to deal with anything else apart from the patients.

I was proven wrong. After I graduated, I had a 9 to 5 job at church for 9 months, before I entered MBTS. Although my work required me to conduct regular visitations to the homes of elderly, homebound church members, minister to them and oversee the church care-takers, I too shared in the administration workload of the church and did loads of adhoc stuff - sitting in the church office, surrounded by your typical office stationery, etc. I learned how to do many things that I never thought necessary to learn - for example using the paper cutter, working on church bulletins, printing, etc. Ah, thank God for such an opportunity, although I must say that God worked on my attitude/character more than anything else. :P

When I finally gave up my medical career for a fulltime Christian vocation, I remember sending all my med books back to KL (I think my dad felt sad seeing them return home) and telling everyone who asked me, "So... what are you going to do with your medical degree?" that I'd be leaving it behind... never to go back there again. Of course, I didn't see medical school as a waste. There was so much I learned there aside from medical knowledge and skills - and God used my time in Dublin and Penang to grow me in many ways, especially in the ministry... I am also thankful that med school has made me a very people-oriented person. But I didn't see what I could really do with my degree, which many point out as 'a waste'. In the past year, I have often wondered myself why I continued studying medicine when I felt called by God in my 2nd med year to a fulltime Christian vocation. While it is true that I respected the counsel of my leaders back at Every Nation Dublin to continue in my studies until I graduated, I still often wonder 'what if' I had left Dublin that year and returned to Malaysia for theological education....

My dad said a very spectacular thing when I first told him that I'd be leaving medicine behind. Of course, he wasn't very sure that I was making the right decision back then, but he was so very insistent that he saw me using my degree to the fullest. (What strong words!) After a while, he had peace about me going to MBTS - but he still occasionally calls me 'Doctor' at home. I secretly hated it - coz it invokes mixed feelings within me each time he does that. Sheeesh.

Additionally, my boyfriend reminds me every now and then, that I ought to be revising my medical knowledge, because I'll never know when God will open a door.

Guess what?

My degree did not go to a waste after all. Firstly, I was able to get into the M.Div program at MBTS because I already possess a first degree.

Secondly... God suddenly opened another door last week. As part of my compulsory duty to the MBTS community, I have been assigned to manage the first-aid and medication kits at MBTS and manage uncomplicated sick/injury cases on campus (haha, with OTC medications:P) whenever I am around at school.

See? Never say never. God's will prevails.

Now I regret sending all my books back to KL. Coz I need to study again.

And... omg. Dad was right after all @_@. Ben as well!

Today, I met up with Dr. Oh (he's a medical practitioner and a part-time lecturer at MBTS) to discuss my duties, as well as the meds stock. So thankful that I am able to liaise with him and sorta get mentored - coz I am currently a little out of touch with medicine already. (It's like drugs... their efficacy start to decline by 10% every year after their expiry dates! My med knowledge slowly seeps out, little by little, as I continue to stuff my head with Bible College stuff). Tee hee.

What he said at the end of our discussion impacted me the most. "It's good for you to be taking on these duties and keeping your medical knowledge fresh and updated. It will come into good use when you do missions."

Hmm. God is so sovereign.

This is how the end of our conversation went...

Me : Thanks so much, Dr. Oh.
Dr. Oh : Ah, it's no problem... Dr. Moo.
Me : Um.... no don't call me that *sheepish grin* ...
Dr. Oh : Well, you are a qualified doctor after all... :)

I am not proud that he said that... but that coming from a doctor who has been in the field for a long time encouraged me indeed.

Out of my comfort zone... into what?

Today was a bit strange.

It was a little unlike any typical Monday. I didn't do the stuff I'd usually do on Mondays. I did stuff that I wouldn't usually do on Mondays. I ate stuff that I wouldn't normally eat on Mondays. You get the picture? But... oh well, it's good to break out of routine sometimes. When we get too comfy with our lives, we don't grow. Our faith is not stretched. We become boring, complacent, passive and uncreative people. I don't know about you... but it sure affects me this way :P ... So there!

Sat in Mc'donald's today for lunch - and I amused myself, in the midst of journalling, by fixing my eyes on the lip movements of the other patrons - one by one. As I did that, I could actually make out each of their voices over the confusing buzz of noises in the background - even if one was sitting 10 metres away! Funny - I was suddenly aware that God was using that to remind me to fix my eyes on Him ~ to get busy loving His Word, engaging in prayer, serving Him and being a faithful steward. Praying, watching and waiting. Subsequently, I'd be able to make out His still small voice over the din of noises the world presents, as well as discern God's will and direction for my life.

It was a timely reminder indeed. Last week, I was overwhelmingly bothered and worried about something. Prayed with tears. Then somehow, today, I received news that would have killed me in my tracks last week (haha, sorry for the dramatic-ness! :P) but hey, I am actually dealing with it surprisingly well now! Praise God. To be honest, I wasn't feeling totally happy when I decided that I'd 'let go and let God' and... accept the upcoming challenge as a blessing. Miserable would perhaps be too strong a word in a time such as this. However, the peace in my heart grew and grew. I think someone must have prayed for me last week - that I would be transformed by the renewing of my mind :P (I wonder who) coz I feel that THIS is what happened to me! No wonder Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Now, I have faith that God is going to make all things work together for the very best - to Him be all glory! May this also be an opportunity for me to grow.

Aside from all that...

I am looking forward to seeing Ji next Monday! Yippee-doo-dah! :) She's gonna fly back to Singapore the very same day... but oh... I'm so thankful that I get to catch her before she disappears again. Life is full of hi's and goodbyes... but it is those precious moments we catch in between that make life absolutely worth living!

OT survey 1 exam tomorrow...

Back from ministry trip to Ipoh CGMC

On Saturday and Sunday, the Trinity Choir went on a short ministry trip to Canning Garden Methodist Church, Ipoh... We sang in both services and hope that the people were as blessed as we were ourselves.

It was a very memorable trip for me indeed. For one thing, I got to meet up and chat with so many people that have encouraged me in one way or another throughout the past year or so - even though we were one state apart. I had the opportunity to put faces to the names of people whom I've never personally met - but who've made a difference to my life (yeah, mysteriously - I am humbled at how God orchestrates my friendships). Also, I had the same roommate I had since WTR last year :P - my dear Pekz - who, I think is pretty used to my weirdness by now. (I am also pretty used to her antics by now).

Sorry... bad lighting and geeky glasses :D hehe...

I must say thank you to Tailo - who also managed to 'add spice' to my trip to Ipoh - by rushing from the General Hospital to CGMC on Sunday morning (7am) in the midst of a overnight call (his patient was dying :P - but he got someone to keep an eye on the patient while he left for a while) - just to drop by, see me and pass me a surprise lovegift. *Sobsss* So sweet. I thank God for amazing, loving brothers. Tailo also said that I've lost too much weight - to quote him, "Not the Grace I know..." To be fair, he hasn't seen me since we graduated from med school in 2008 - but I think he's right in a way. Unhealthy weight-loss :P Muscle-loss more than fat-loss. I think I've gotta change my typical school-day diet. Ben pointed out that I've got quite alot of muscle-wasting - so I need to build 'em up again. Hmm. How?

Anyway, here are some random pictures with my camera... I will put up more pics when our team photographers upload them to FB or something.

Ben came along this trip... and made me laugh all the way (I think he was in an extraordinarily great mood! :P)

During our 2 hours bus-ride to Ipoh :)Pigzpek :DOur shared room...

Us at CGMC

Just before we left Ipoh on Sunday

On the way back to Penang...

Had to study on the bus for this week's exams...

My yummy 'souvenir' from Ipoh

That's all folks! Busy, busy week ahead.

Before I sign off...

This was what I found so heart-warming today :P Our 3 brothers, all in striped shirts, catnapping in a row... in between classes... right outside SR1. Boy, they must have been very tired. It's either that or our lecturer really had the gift of lulling us to umm...zzzzzzee DREAMS and visions :P Joking...Saw (middle) woke up, caught me with the camera...and pretended to go back to sleep, albeit with a smile plastered on his face this time...

And after the long day...

...my bed is calling me over, most invitingly...

Thursday's...

More geography lessons on Egypt and the Levant today. Fascinating! The Bible OT stories are so much more alive to me now!

Collected my choir robe from Aunty Mei Li after school, then I had lunch (@ KFC), prayed and went shopping at Tesco's for plastic boxes to organize the first-aid kits at school. Thought I'd start surveying, categorizing and rearranging the OTC meds tomorrow after mentoring group, since I have been exempted from sitting through Form & Style classes.

Bought a new broom (the old one's bristles are falling out!), cleaning detergent and scouring sponges for my house too. Doing the laundry now... and hopefully, tonight I can pack for the Ipoh ministry trip... as well as study.

Reflection of the day...

Today, I seem to keep encountering the word 'Trust'. In Psalm 21, the psalmist praises God by describing a very blessed king. Then in verse 7, he attributes the blessings to this fact: 'For the king trusts in the Lord' through the unfailing love of the Most High, he will not be shaken.'

Wow. Subsequently, in Psalm 22, the psalmist groans and moans in his state of being persecuted by his enemies... and yet in verses 4-5 he reminds God of His own faithfulness - 'In You our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and You delivered them. They cried to You and were saved; in You they trusted and were not disappointed.'

I believe that this was also a comforting reminder to the psalmist that if God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore, His mercy, goodness and love would in the same way follow those who put their hope and trust in Him.

Last night, I struggled very much to trust God in something I have been committing to Him time and time again (yeah, I am a woman of little faith sometimes). It did not take much to bring me down - just a few discouragements, contemplation on my own fears and telling myself things such as, "Ah, it is impossible... Nothing will work out... etc."

You know how the Bible says that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks? It is so, so true. Pretty soon, my speech sounded depressing, emotional and even hurtful to the hearer :P ~ It reached a point whereby I could even hear the resentment in my voice, *alarm bells ringing* and to my horror, the poor hearer looked so grieved!

Haha. To cut the long story short... I managed to calm down, by God's grace. (Thank God that the hearer was merciful). The word 'Trust' kept coming to my heart. I realized that I did not trust God enough. To trust means to completely surrender and to fully accept the vulnerability it afforded. To quote the FB status of one of the youths I know, 'Wrestling with feelings that might tear me apart. But if hurting me will draw me closer to you Lord, then I ask that You continue to break my heart...' ~ what surrender and acceptance of vulnerability this speaks of! I can't help being humbled and ashamed of myself.

Proverbs 3:5-6 TNIV says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." I memorized these 2 verses in form 5 - the version which says, 'acknowledge Him' instead of 'submit to Him' - but essentially, both mean the same thing - i.e. giving oneself up to the Lordship of Christ. We can't call one 'Lord' if we don't completely trust him. It's like contradicting ourselves. We in fact acknowledge God's sovereignty, power, authority and all-sufficiency when we call Him Lord. It is not merely a term of endearment. It ought to be a humble cry of surrender from our hearts when we even so much as whisper it.

Lord.

God will make your paths straight. He has the best things in store for us! We are often in a hurry to make our own paths straight - but in our haste, they grow even more crooked. So why not discipline ourselves to let go and let God?

Feeling...

blue... *tears*

The melancholy side of me is kicking in. Darn. It's good to have a sensitive nature and great appreciation for beautiful things - but when I get depressed contemplating on stuff, it is so NOT fun. What do you do when you feel like you've lost hope? Tawar hati rasanya...

Why are you so downcast, my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Gosh. I need to persevere.

Choir practice in a while. Going downstairs to eat dinner.

*Edit @ 11:16pm*

Feeling much better after choir, zapping Pig with my skin-static, and laughing at 'Chicken Little' jokes. @_@' 2 more days to Ipoh. I better save up my voice for Sat and Sun :P

Wednesday

Geography lessons today by Mr. KC Wong were very refreshing. At least, the Old Testament seems more alive and exciting now. When we study the geography of the land and the Jewish cultures in those biblical times, it enables us to understand why certain things sounded so odd and unfathomable in the OT history.

For example, have you ever thought of why God said to the Israelites in Exodus 23:19b - "Do not cook a young goat in its mother's milk...?"

This was the way their pagan gods (especially those whom they prayed to for rain) used to be worshipped in those days. By cooking a young goat in its mother's milk and serving it to the rain gods as an offering - so that their prayers for rain could be answered - or their crops and lifestock would die. The famine would follow.

By saying that, God prohibited the Israelites from worshipping Him the same way as they used to for the pagan gods - instead in verse 23:19a, they were to bring the best of the firstfruits of the soil to the house of the LORD our God - and know that "the LORD our God, the Lord is one..." (Deut 6:4) and that He was the One who would bring them rain and provide all their needs - not the idols they worshipped.

I think, God's ways are so beautiful and fascinating indeed.

We have 2 exams next week. One for OT Survey 1... and one for Biblical background. The lecturers love calling 'em 'tests'... but let's face it. It is just a way of disguising them to sound less threatening and scary :P EXAMS, all of them!

How quickly the week pasts. Tomorrow's already Thursday... and then Friday will follow.

I want to praise God for the good grade I just received for the 'Church Planting and Church Growth' term paper I handed up last year. I was very confused and frustrated planning the church plant :P - I don't know how some people completed it so quickly and handed it up long before I did... hehe. But oh well, thank God that it all ended well!

Last night, I was sad and worried about something. Today, I am gonna try my best to fix my eyes on God and trust Him again. Thanks for praying, Kevin T.

Psalm 16:5-11

'LORD, You have assigned me my portion and my cup;
You have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
I will praise the LORD who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices,
my body also will rest secure,
because You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will You let Your faithful one see decay.
You make known to me the path of life;
You will fill me with joy in Your presence,
with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.'

Tuesday

Thus begins a very busy week.

Today, I spoke to Dr. Matahari-Y, our academic dean - and he asked me what I was going to do after I graduated from MBTS. I told him that I didn't know yet. He asked me if I had ever considered majoring in Church Music someday - and becoming a Professor in C. Music and lecture. Eeeks. I don't know. I've always wanted to specialize in Church Music (except it wasn't offered in MBTS - so I am doing a pastoral major now) and I absolutely loved Music and Missions - but gosh. D.Min sounds too hi-fi and difficult for me right now *sigh* - I am not sure if I can study anymore after this, haha (I'm getting old and tired) and I am afraid of more thesis-es. M.Div is already scary enough, to make no mention of D.Min - plus I also have alot of other plans on my mind...including getting married soon and having kids whilst being active in ministry. Can't imagine me still studying while I have to run after my kids (and yet I know many who are doing that and are fine :P) to make no mention of doing ministry work. I do mean to support my husband as he pursues God's calling for his life too.

Dr. Matahari-Y laughed when I mentioned this to him >_<' - I wonder if his wife, Dr. R, was ever in my shoes. Their children are doing very well now; I can see how God rewarded their faithfulness in ministry. Oh well, I know God can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we can ever ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us... I am not going to look too far at this point of time - but to take baby steps and enjoy the journey. I hope to do more in church this year - especially the youth ministry and CG ministry. The year started well - I pray that I will be fruitful and end well.

Community duties at MBTS have started - and I have been put in charge of the first-aid kits and OTC medications. At least a place to use my medical knowledge and skills :P Gonna meet Dr. Oh next week to discuss what can be done about the neglected meds office...

Did my biblical backgrounds exam just now. Have 18 chapters of OT-survey notes to read now...*gulp*

... and we are going to Ipoh this weekend (along with the Trinity choir) to sing at Canning Garden Methodist Church, as ministry. Tomorrow, we have the last rehearsal!

...yet we will praise Thee...

Being girly girl...

Today, I read Paul's first epistle to Timothy ~ 1 Tim 2 - and came across verse 9-10: '...I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.'

I thought that 3:11 was also a good reminder, 'In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.'

...which also reminded me of 1 Peter 3:1-6:

'Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the Word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear...'

The sales are going on everywhere. During times like these, if I happen to pass by any shop with attractive banners and great price markdowns, I, being a girly girl (who is fond of pretty things) would have an almost irresistable urge to run into the shop and dip my hands into the piles of merchandises just like every other lady in the shop. Run my hands over the pretty shoes. Admire the bags. Gape at the accessories. And as I do that, tell myself firmly... "Just looking... Just looking... Not buying anything..."

But all too soon, I'd get depressed that I can't really afford to buy anything. Then, leave the shop looking defeated. Yeah, it happens ALL the time. Haha, duh.

So guess what? I haven't been window-shopping for some time already - since the year began. Learning to be contented with what I already have in my wardrobe has been challenging, but rewarding. More time for prayer and quality time with people, more contentment and less temptations. (Ooops, I forgot - I stole 2 tops from my sister's stash when I was back in KL - with her permission of course - and the tops are neatly folded in my wardrobe in Penang now! :D)

In addition to that, I'd like to continue to grow in these aspects this year:

1. godliness - the purity and reverence of my life
2. gentleness and quietness of the spirit - i.e. inner beauty of great worth in God's sight
3. good deeds - appropriate for women who profess to worship God

I've seen women who focus little on clothes, make-up, shoes and bags (I am not saying that they do not engage in daily basic skincare and fitness routines - I think all of us should) - but spend much of their lives in the presence of God, immersing in earnest prayer for others... I want what they have. The godly woman exudes quiet confidence in the Lord, bears a face that glows and stands out amongst a crowd (and she is not even conscious of it), sweet gentleness that doesn't diminish with age, speech seasoned with grace, joyful laughter and the attractiveness that cannot be surpassed by even the most well-dressed lady in the room.

Sisters, let us seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness... and all these things shall be added unto us! :)

Lydia inspired me to do this...

8 things I am looking forward to:

1. All the mission trips this year
2. Choir ministry trip to CGMC Ipoh this coming weekend….
3. Completion of all house-painting and renovation work...
4. Going back to KL for Chinese New Year
5. Meeting the people I've prayed for but never met, and people who've prayed for me but I've never met
6. opportunities to reach-out and make a difference
7. Graduating from MBTS
8. getting married ... :P ~ whenever that is

8 things I did yesterday:

1. Youth ministry
2. Turned my house upside down :P --> It's a bad mess now. No visitors allowed for these few months. Unless... who wants to help me clean house? XD
3. Talked to Pst. W about my weekend ministry
4. Blogged
5. Twitter-ed :P
6. Caught up with the News
7. Had dinner with the Wongs @ a dai-chow stall opposite SJK(C) Chong Cheng in Sg. Ara
8. Grocery-shopped at Giant Hypermarket

8 things I wish I could do:

1. Sleep earlier every night...
2. Write a book
3. Be more disciplined, consistent and determined in my work.
4. Be less emotional - and I really mean it.
5. Be able to bless others more
6. Meet up with friends for coffee and heart-to-heart talks more often
7. Work to earn money :P
8. Be more loving, friendly and compassionate

8 shows I watch:

1. Anything on Discovery Channel, National Geographic and Animal Planet
2. HK TVB dramas - occasionally :)
3. movies - all kinds...
4. 'Nuff said :P
5.
6.
7.
8.

8 favorite fruits:

1. Mangoes
2. Passion fruit
3. Green apples
4. Dragon fruit
5. Nangka
6. Honeydew
7. Lychees
8. Strawberries

8 places I’d like to travel:

1. Europe...Europe...Europe. Love it there... and such a heart for the people
2. Australia and New Zealand
3. South Africa
4. Korea and Japan
5. India
6. Middle-east countries
7. Indonesia
8. America

8 books i’ve been inspired by:

1. The Bible
2. All of Elisabeth Elliot's books - including 'Passion and Purity', 'The Shadow of the Almighty', 'Jim Elliot's journals'... and many many more
3. All of A.W. Tozer's books
4. Carolyn McCulley's 'Radical Womanhood'
5. Rev. Edmund Chan's 'Growing Deep in God'
6. 'The Unnecessary Pastor' by Marva Dawn and Eugene Peterson
7. Books by Francine Rivers - especially 'When the Shofar Blew'
8. 'The Power of a Praying Wife' by Stormie O'Martian (very very good book)

8 people you wish you could meet :

1. All the great authors of my favourite books
2. Aunty May Ling
3. Nat Tan
4. Sophia Lee
5. All the people who've prayed for me but I've never met and all the people I've prayed for but I've never met
6. Francine Rivers (she's written the most inspiring Christian fiction I've ever read)
7. David Benoit - jazz composer, Joe Misaishi, many many more music composers ... too many to name :D
8. My kids :)

8 favourite food

1. Japanese food
2. Subway's and O'Brien's sandwiches
3. Hot creamy soups with crusty bread
4. Fried rice :)
5. Anything with cheese - cheese cake, lasagne, pizza, etc
6. Anything with chocolate chips
7. Mc-donald's :P (I think this is no surprise to anybody)
8. Home-cooked food

Weekend

Repainting my little home :)

Actually, Ben's been doing all the painting work while I work away on my own chores. Occasionally, I chat to him, hip-hip-hurrah him, play the piano for his entertainment, and help him out a little here and there.

Other random stuff over the weekend...

We had a good CG/bible study last night (Saturday). Continued with Daniel 1. We also made firm resolves to build-up one specific aspect of our spiritual walk/character (decided between every individual and God) this year. Everyone went out for wantan mee supper at Jln. Terengganu after it was over... Even K.L. - who usually only joins us when we go to Kayu :P I tried the Fish Maryland from the western stall at the same hawker centre. My verdict - not bad! Yummylicious in fact! :)

Youth ministry this morning. Uncle Geam Liang conducted a Bible Study workshop for the youths today. It was quite cool.

I have a stiff neck from a wrong sleeping position last night. Took paracetamol, but it is still uberly painful to tilt my head backwards or forwards. I feel like the Tin Woodman from the Wizard of Oz. >_<"

Going back to church in a while.

Through the praise of children and infants...

Today was a good day.

I woke up really early (panicking that I might be late for school - yes, again) and had all the time in the world to scrub/wash my kitchen sink, shower, eat a substantial breakfast, do quiet-time, pray over Friday's prayer list, type out an email, twit and get ready for school. Stopped at the gas station on the way to school too, for a refill.

This morning I meditated on Psalm 8:2-4 (TNIV) :

"Through the praise of children and infants You have established a stronghold against Your enemies to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what are mere mortals that You are mindful of them? Human beings that You care for them?"

Wow, mindblowing - that. Imagine... The praises of kids and babies made into a stronghold against God's enemies? (Parents with lil' ones, this is another good reason to bring up your kids in the ways of the Lord!)

(This is not my kid btw. This is Joel, QY and Ruth's very adorable son, when he was a little younger.)

Similarly, when we sob out from our hearts to God and yet utter praises to Him with childlike faith despite seemingly our hopeless circumstances, things happen. God hears us and comes to our rescue... our defense. The Bible says that He defends the afflicted, the weak, the poor, the orphaned and the oppressed... and reveals to us His original, authentic purpose for each of our lives. What a mystery then, that the One who made the universe and all that is in it should care to lavish such grace and mercy on us, mortal beings - who are as dust!

We had classes with Dr. Matahari-Y again today. I relearned the meaning of 'history'.

I still remember clearly the very first page of buku Sejarah Tingkatan Satu (Form 1 history book) upon which 'History' was defined as 'his story' - i.e the story of mankind. It is a chronological record of past events of the development of civilizations, nations, institutions, etc. While part of it is true - ('History' is unquestionably made up of many of such true and significant stories) - it more essentially means 'His story' - i.e. God's story, defined by the many stories of mankind that fit well into their places. Through such stories, we see the rise and fall of man, learn good values, are devastated at the consequences of war and corruption, and come to understand the present... Yet more importantly, we also see God's hand purposefully at work, steadily accomplishing His great Redemptive Plan - even from the days of the Abrahamic covenant. You can see now, why I love history lessons.

In love He came.

This sobering thought brings me back to King David's Psalm 8:4: "...what are mere mortals that you are mindful of them? Human beings that you care for them?"

Also, today... in class, while Dr. Matahari-Y was talking about another thing, I had a sudden thought in my head - an idea of what I could do someday for God - when Dr. Matahari-Y suddenly called my name, voiced out exactly what I was thinking and said, "... this could be some people's calling... Right, Grace?" I raised my eyebrows at him, half-amused and half-shocked.

How can this be a coincidence? How can the stories of our lives be mere coincidences?

No, they fit into God's ultimate Story.

Ok, this is it... :)

I cannot procrastinate anymore. I have to start doing assignments from today onwards.

See the thick pile of notes I'll have to finish and summarize for Old Testament Survey 1? On top of doing outlines for 2 OT books and studying for 2 exams on the Pentateuch and historical books.

Then I have to finish reading this book (below) for a test on Wednesday for Dr. Sunny Tan's class on Biblical introduction/background. I actually like this class very much - because it deals with the historical and geographical context of the Bible (I love history and geography lessons!) It's super interesting... but I just wish that there could be less homework. On top of all other assignments, the Masters students have to do research on any one of the given topics (not listed here) and give an oral presentation in class before and after CNY break. Eeeeks.


But.... I now have a killer stomach-ache and must go to bed. I promise I will start tomorrow :P

Thursday's muse

Just finished teaching. I fell asleep before class and woke up with a start, thinking that I was late for school the next day :P *Sigh*

I have been waking up automatically (in panic and jumping out of bed) at 4.45am for 3 consecutive mornings, thinking that my alarm clock had ALREADY rung, I had overslept and I was going to be late for school...

Strange.

Today I went back to sleep... and only woke up at 7am! I got ready in lightning speed - and still managed to reach MBTS students' parking lot by 8am. Ran up the slopes as fast as my heels could take me even though my lungs were screaming for air - siddled into class just in time to hear Dr. Sunny calling out my name (taking attendance). Talk about a grand appearance! :P

Next time, if I wake up at 4.45am, I think I'll pray and eat breakfast, instead of going back to sleep.

Assignments are start to pile-up again.

Be good stewards of the environment

The weather in Penang is driving me up the wall! Argh. I have a fine old headache already. :(

People, start taking care of your environment. Global warming is real, you know... and NOT everyone can afford to use the A/C 24/7. The sea levels are already rising. Some animals will die if the temperature continues to crank up a few notches.

Stop burning rubbish outside my window. Yeah, you can get rid of trash instantly, sure... but do you realize how hazardous the smoke is to your children playing on the streets? As well as to people like me, who have no choice but to keep my windows open for oxygen?

I feel like an animal being smoked out of its cave. Grrrrrrreeeat....

It always sickens me whenever I see vehicles emitting huge plumes of black/white smoke from their exhaust pipes whilst running down the road. *beep, beep* Old Bas Kilang's, lorries and badly maintained old cars are the main culprits. Funny... I usually forgive and forget (literally) road bullies right after encountering them on a journey... but the disgust after I see smoke-spurts from vehicles continues to haunt me for a much longer time afterward.

I don't blame the vehicles. They are innocent. They can't help themselves if those who are responsible to maintain them do not.

Tuesday - tiredness

Just came back home.

My day was so crazy, that my hands are actually shaking while I type this. Literally. Fine tremors. Can't really think straight anymore. Thank God, I've finished quiet time and praying for all the people I was supposed to pray for today. Coz I am too exhausted to do anything right now... except watch TV and do laundry.

Oh, did I mention? I now have a TV in my house, thanks to Ben's parents - who thought I would be bored out of my mind, when I am home-alone... and that it would be a good source of stress-relief. Since they now watch much less TV at home after they've given their lives to the Lord (spend more time in the Word, quiet-time and prayer - what a miracle!), they very kindly shifted the TV in their bedroom to my home specially for yours truly. I thank God for it - because now I can catch up with the news at least. However, I want it to remain a blessing, haha - so I mean to be very disciplined with my TV-watching and limit myself.

Boy, I feel so spoiled! :D

I love my boyfriend's parents.

Whenever I visit Ben's home, his mum always has something to share with me - about something special the Lord has done for her that week. About how He had taught her from His Word, the wisdom He had given Ben's dad and herself about a particular situation, or a prayer answered. I was surprised last weekend, when Ben's mum gleefully showed me her Bible-study journal, in which she records down her daily lessons and reflections... in English - a language she is not particularly familiar with! How did she learn to do that, if not for God? Her childlike faith, clear understanding of the Word and passion for God constantly amazes and humbles me. Lord, I praise You for Your work in this beloved family!

Indeed, a family can never stay the same with the Lord's presence in it. He makes faces shine and fills the house with joyful laughter.

Weekend and the thing called PMS....

A few pics...
There was this pave-tar-in-road/steamroller-lookalike vehicle (I dunno what it's really called) parked in our church grounds... Azril hopes that he will be able to drive it some day. He was really interested in how it works. Asked me a whole bunch of questions about the pipes, strange containers, engines, etc of the vehicle. I was clueless. Very clueless.

Then we had Uncle Ben and his antics...

Uncle Ben's turn to 'drive' the vehicle...

I felt pretty unmotivated the whole weekend to do anything... but I had to drag myself to do everything all the same :P (Oh GOD, forgive me for such a bad attitude!)

I was a little cranky, emo, tired all the time, and I kept craving for food. However... I thank God for PMS - because it is a clear sign that my hormones are fine. I realized recently, that whenever I have absolutely no PMS - the cycle that month would have most likely gone hay-wire.. I hate it when that happens - because then the timing will be unpredictable. (Girls, you know what I mean).

It is a bonus of course, when the Boyfriend is so understanding and merciful. Hehe. I love him.

So anyway.... Girls, you shouldn't be ashamed of PMS... and NO, it is not a sign of weakness of character. Just don't let the temporary madness of PMS master you...

What do I mean? Well, you know what is right and wrong. Choose to do the right things. Also... spend time with God, journal and take more rests when things seem overwhelming. Eat balanced meals with light snacks in between if needed. Sleep sufficiently - take short naps in the afternoon if you feel tired. Exercise for that endorphin surge. Drink alot of water. And don't be too hard on yourselves - make time to engage in good hobbies.

May the peace of the Lord that transcends all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ!

Friday

Met up with dear friends, Edmond and Ee Ling today - after school. We fellowshipped in Mcdonald's and exchanged news 'bout our lives after we had gone on our separate paths. I heard, with much interest, all about Sabah and what's going on there.

Really - Church of Malaysia, we've got to wake up! Churches, stop saving money 'for a rainy day' - it will come, but no amount of money can prepare us for such a day. Invest more in equipping people to go out to the nations/peoples... and send them out indeed.

Christians, stop building 'palaces' in the city, accumulating wealth for ourselves... and living complacent, self-serving, self-centered lives - just as if we are going to stay in this world forever; as if its end will never come. Stop complaining against the church or its leaders; about what we are not getting. Stop sitting on our bums and expecting others to serve us! We've got to get serious with our spiritual walks. Give. Serve! Some day, the Lord will return - and what will He find us doing? Will our lamps be full or empty? Will we be sleeping or on watch? Will our families and friends have come to know and love Him? What have we left to say when He asks us what have we done about His Great Commission? We've got to get down on our knees to pray. If God calls us to go, then let us be faithful to His call. This also goes to myself.

Edmond gave me a hand-drawn map of Penang (picture above), on which he had marked out the places we all used to hang out, had our CF retreats and etc (made me very nolstalgic). He also gave me a worship CD - in which he had slyly inserted a love-gift ~ which I only discovered when we had gone separate ways and I was about to play the CD in my car.

*tears of thanksgiving*

Yesterday evening, Rachel Chan blessed me with dinner at Matsuki's. It was a good time. I am so grateful that God has strengthened our friendship so much, over the past few years. Meals with her always leaves me with more faith and new-found hope somehow. Perhaps, it's because she's such a godly woman :) And she never fails to bring me joy.

It's funny. I've been praying for provisions from the Lord for the months ahead - including funds for a one-month mission trip to Poland in August. I find it amazing that God always finds a way to reassure me right from the beginning that He will provide my needs.

Guess who...

Someone dropped by my door-step
to say "Hi" to me today...
...even though it was late in the evening,
he got held up at work and was tired.
I had nothing much to offer him...
(I didn't have to of course...)
but Rachel had given me...
a yummy packet of mints and a box of good Cadbury brunch bars...
so I gave him 2 mints and a brunch bar...
which he firmly refused...
coz... he was fasting (for prayer purposes)
*smacks my own forehead*
Argh. How could I have been so insensitive? :P
(I totally forgot that he was fasting *guilty look*)
But still... I am so proud of him for refusing...
(I am not sure what I would have done :P)
Totally admire his commitment to the Lord,
and touched, coz he came
even when he didn't have to...
or when I haven't been all that nice to him to deserve it.
This is what I call LOVE.

Be Thou my Vision...

We often walk by sight and not by faith.I too am very easily distracted and discouraged by the things I see - my circumstances, what others have accomplished while I have not, depressing realities, existing flaws in myself, attractive yet out-of-reach stuff that I would have to trade my integrity/health/direction in life to get, etc. Face it, people. How 'spiritual' a Christian we are, we will never cease to be plagued by trials and temptations of all sorts!

But praise God - He never leaves nor forsakes us. In fact, He still speaks today to His children, through understandable words and ways.

We sang a familiar hymn in chapel yesterday - 'Be Thou my Vision'. I couldn't really concentrate fully on the words of the song - as I was playing the piano for praise/worship.

Today, a sister-in-Christ, Lydia, who knew nothing about that, prayed for me and sensed that I should take a look at the words of the exact, same song! She even pasted the lyrics of the hymn in her email to me ~ I had quite a shock (the good kind) when I checked it out and saw the words staring solemnly back at me... (Thanks, babe!)

I don't believe in coincidences. This must be God. And so, I did meditate on the words of the song.

"Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all."

Lydia also sensed the word 'Perseverance' as she prayed for me. What a Rhema Word of God. I totally needed that today. There's been quite a few anxieties cropping up even in this first week of the new year - and I really needed God's assurance that He would be with me.

Persevere, persevere, persevere. Even when all things seem threatening and discouraging, we still can choose to persevere in our faith. And to have faith means to fix our eyes upon Jesus despite all else, and to remember the promises of God's covenant of the cross.

May He be our vision today, dear friends. There is no better thing.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart.

Happy Birthday...

To my blog :)

Wednesday

Rhinitis and a sore nose from too much 'trumpetting' . Phlegm caking up in my throat. And a pretty funky voice.

Day 2 of MBTS student orientation.

Praise God I managed to sit through all the long, bi-lingual talks with only 2 yawns... albeit with a groggy (I sure I hope I hid the beh-song-ness well :P) face. Felt pretty bad not looking more enthusiastic - the talks were quite substantial actually. Encouraging in fact. But... my body was weak while my spirit is willing. My blocked nose not only made it difficult to sleep at night (so you can imagine how sleepy I was the whole morning) - but also hard to breathe throughout the day. Gah! For all that respiratory labour, I sure hope I am better tomorrow. O God, heal me!

It did me good to worship God today, even as I was part of the morning worship team. Not so much of me looking to myself or enjoying music as an art... but rather me, turning my eyes toward the cross... and remembering Jesus ~ the reason I am in MBTS for this season. I dearly hope that I served Him with the right attitude. Thank You, Lord for graciously anointing our team... that despite the very little time we had to prepare for today, we could still play our hearts out for You and what came out of that was... beautiful music. By Your grace, receive this simple offering from Your children, Lord. Most of all we render our hearts.

Ah, so much ministry work to be done by this Friday. Choir practice at church tonight... Only 3 practices left to our ministry trip to Ipoh - so I'd better at least familiarize myself with the songs and team. It's been a long time since I set foot into the Sanctuary on a Wednesday night just for choir practice (I missed everyone) - it well may be my last time for this year, before MLM training starts again.

I had a dream...

... last night, after praying about something yesterday. A vivid dream indeed 'bout what is going to happen to me on the 20/10/2010. I wonder if it will ever come to pass. :P

I actually woke up to the loud music of my alarm clock - with much disappointment that the dream had to end.

It's also hard to imagine me turning 26 in less than a month. I'm still trying to hold on to being 25 :) It's so not over yet...

Sick...

School. Came home and had lunch. Then I zonked out. One whole afternoon gone to zzz-ing. Sigh.

Dinner with the Ch'ng's tonight ... with a mission...

*Edit*

Dinner went well, despite my stuffed nose :) Thank God for gracious hosts indeed... and 3 most charming dogs who did not attack my ankles. *Phew*

I'm going to be pretty busy this week - choir practice tomorrow night (we've only 3 practices left till our ministry trip to Ipoh, so I have to go whether I have a voice or not), dinner with Rach on Thurs... Christian Fellowship back at PMC on Friday after school - and meeting up with Edmond.

Holiday pecha kucha...

This felt like one of the most fun and fulfilling holidays ever. Christmas was great... Went to church (Trinity) for Christmas Eve Candlelight service... and Christmas morning service, as well as Wesley church for Christmas dinner (Ben, James, Xu Wen and I were the honored guests of Ben's parents :D). Spent alot of time with loved ones (on Ben's side and mine) appreciating what God has done for us through Christ... Received good gifts from friends and family. Here are some pics of my hols. Be warned. It is a very long post.

Ben's mum gave me a fat, cuddly and cutesie penguin for Christmas. So sweet. His name is um... Penguin. I haven't been too creative naming him...

Ben and I left for Ipoh one day after Christmas. It was a fruitful trip. We spent almost the whole afternoon with Pst. Jeya's family at their home. Pst. Jeya gave me a timely word from the Lord - pertaining ministry and my studies at the seminary. That night we went to Canning Garden Methodist Church for Saturday night service... then we supped with a dear friend, Wai Lim, who was back in Ipoh at the same time we were there.

...us before church that night...

...us at Foh San the next morning - for dim sum...

There's another famous Ipoh dim sum place right opposite Foh San - Ming Court. We will try that next time.

It was way crowded by 9am... So difficult to find a place to sit down. But thank God, we finally did. I have never been so gung ho in my life. Usually, I turn away from crowded places, no matter how good the food.

Time to tuck in!

Someone looked like he just woke up...

Yummy har-gou...

warm paos...and the very fragrant malaikou that I liked the last time I came...

We obviously ate more than I captured on photos... I got too busy eating that I stopped using the camera! Hehe. Here I was stuffed with dim sum to the brim...

In front of Foh San. Spot the me... :)

Our dear friends, Wai Lim and Yen Er who brought us around Ipoh...and introduced us to some good eats.

Among those, we tried 'Under The Tree's amazing Laksa with fried yong taufoo. Me likey...

Laksa tastes a little more sour compared to the one in Penang...I must say I prefer the one in Penang.

Toilet -stop on the way back to KL that afternoon...

The dedicated driver...and the vehicle (Ol' Grandfather Wira - may not look too old here, but it is old)

Was welcomed home by my lovely dad... he was especially pleased with his Christmas pressie from us too. Had dinner that night with him at a Jap restaurant dad brought me to last CNY along with Zoey... I love it that dad and Ben can have good long chats...and click well. Somehow I felt that this year, Ben's home-coming with me went much better than last year too... Not that anything bad happened last year (we had a blast last year, with Zoey around) - but I'm glad that Ben's so much more comfortable and at ease with my family now. Apparently, Ben became my home-bound uncle's good friend too, because uncle never stopped talking (very energetically too) whenever Ben's around :P

Dad whispered jokingly to me in one of those long conversations between uncle and Ben, "Poor Ben..." Haha. But Ben didn't mind la.

We drove off to Malacca the next morning. Stopped in Seremban for breakfast and to buy some green bean biscuits + the famous Seremban siew pao... yummers! Was supposed to meet up with my cousins... but it turned out that while it was Chiet Sern's off-day from ministry and STM, it was a working day for Siew Hong at the seminary... so we didn't get to meet up this time.

Then we made a trip to Port Dickson too...

It was time to hit the beach!

The sands of Port Dickson...

The beaches at Port Dickson were really much cleaner and nicer than we expected. I was in for a surprise actually, because the last time I came (dunno how many donkey years ago) it was really polluted. In fact, I was telling Ben that I didn't think we would need to stop in PD that long. I came to regret that we didn't have enough time to chill there...hehe.

We were at this nice lagoon next to Avillion Resort...which led out to the open sea.

So hot on the beach...I am surprised that I wasn't burnt to a crisp. I am glad I had sunscreen and my trusty PINK hat from Dublin :P... (you can tell that I was quite a fan of the colour pink back then)

We waded into the water... you can wade quite far out at this time of the day, and the water would still be up to your knees at most...with the small waves lapping gently at your legs...

Loved it...

Before we left the beach... *Sigh* We had a lovely time indeed!

Drove along the coastal road for a change (instead of the NS lebuhraya). Arrived in Malacca in the afternoon... Most pictures were taken by Ben except for those which he posed in (obviously). Since we only spent one night and one and a half day there, we didn't try out too much funky food, except for the famous chicken rice balls - hehe... but we focused more on the tourist attractions. We honestly think that 2 days weren't quite enough. We didn't even finish visiting ALL the museums (and there were many interesting ones indeed). Oh well, might return to Malacca some day :)

Our first meal in Malacca was at this small, roadside Chinese coffee-stall, where they served awesome fried rice... Yum! Obviously, I am not a good food blogger :P I don't even remember the place's name. I just remember where it is.

So pale, tired and hungry...

The streets in Malacca town...We walked along this one alot...

Still waiting for food...but it was worth the wait.

We walked alot in Malacca, because it was difficult to find parking lots. We mostly parked our car at one spot and walked till our legs were wobbly the next few days. Haha. Above and below: Ancient buildings along Church Street...beautiful, beautiful...

Part of Christ Church...

Queen Victoria fountain

In front of Christ Church MalaccaWe seemed to be doing alot of climbing all of a sudden...

The Stadthuys...

*huff, puff*

From Bukit St. Paul looking down...

A little more climbing and we've arrived at Porta de Santiego! (the only remaining gatehouse of the A'Famosa fortress which happens to be amongst the oldest European architectural remains in Asia.) You can read more about it here.

Lotsa uneven brick walls, tall structures and frankly, holes...

Doesn't the pattern of bricks on the wall remind you of a Giraffe? :)

...monuments and engraved tombstones. Couldn't make out what the words meant. *Grin*

I was wondering how they carved stones so nicely and delicately in those days... Give me a flat stone like that and a paraphernalia of carving tools, and I'd probably just make one unflattering pothole in the middle...

The tallest girl in the Fortress... ya rite!:P

...Peering down memory lanes, perhaps....

Sedepa :)

Interesting texture of the fort's walls... due to centuries of corrosion. I think if Trinity's walls had holes like that, we would be invaded by bees...One hole was bad enough.

I am not sure what this used to be... perhaps part of the cathedral...

At the main entrance of A Famosa fort.

Can't believe this used to be a ferocious weapon of war...

Bukit St. Paul...bustling with tourists even in the evening.

We took it into our heads to go for a boatride down Malacca River...even though the water was smelly. Here is Ben holding his nose. No offense to Malacca people :P but he wasn't exaggerating, people. The water was smelly in our opinion la. I can't imagine how some people can sit on the benches, enjoying the scenery and having to put up with the smell at the same time... Or eat in the open-air restaurants along the river:P - But then again, perhaps it's an acquired taste. I mean, acquired smell! You either like it or you don't.

Ben dreaded the idea of getting sprayed with the smelly water - but oh well, he was convinced to brave it with me :P

Before we went on the boat-trip... the Windmill...

Before the boat-ride started...

The jetty where we started off from...The boat-ride up+down Malacca River takes about 45 minutes. Not bad.

Some beautiful scenery along the banks of the river... Restaurants, houses, etc.

...and the walkway all along the river...At night, it is nicely lit up by lamps.

Another boat like the one we rode on coming in the opposite direction... we got smelly water splashed in our faces of course...peeeEeewwww.... We were fortunate that we weren't sitting front most...we had some 'shield' from the row of excited kids :P

Swamp

Nearing the end of our boat-trip...(Here, Ben heaved a sigh of relief:P and thought 'no more smelly water'. I heaved a sigh of relief and thought, 'I am starving!') But all in all, it was a good boat-ride.

After all that smelly water adventure, we rewarded ourselves with dinner at a Nyonya Restaurant somewhere off Jonker Street. The food was good!!! I am starting to like nyonya food. (And the pineapple tarts sold in a shop near this restaurant were awesome too!)

Tired, tired...but very satisfied.

Day 2 in Malacca - day of visiting MANY museums... We almost covered 'em all, including the tortura exhibition (pics not included).

At the Education Museum - this is the kind of bicycle teachers used to cycle to school - as they could not afford the more expensive modes of transportation back then. See the cane strapped to the basket at the back of the bike seat?!:P

I think it would be awesome if it was still safe enough to bike from Greenlane to Batu Feringghi for classes now. I'd definitely save alot of money on petrol.

Of course we had to take some pictures with Admirer Cheng Ho's statue outside the Malacca Cultural Museum...

Christian exhibition at Cheng Ho Museum. Thumbs up for this - it exhibits a gallery of pictures and information about the Christian movement in China, Christian missionaries who were martyred for their faith and other amazing stuff. One thing though - there was so much to see that I nearly fainted from hypoglycaemia (after all the walking throughout the day too). I'm serious. Had to sit down to keep myself from a black-out. See how pale I was in the picture?

By God's grace, I survived sucking on mints. One word of caution: Eat lunch before going for the exhibition next time.

I can't remember what this was - but I think it was to grind something. LOL.

Grinding rice...with the mortar and pestle...

buffalo that helped farmers in the paddy fields...

an ancient sewing machine

How the traders used to look with all their tea and spices... back when Sg. Melaka was used as a port...Brings back memories of Sejarah Tingkatan satu? :)

A sedan-chair for your typical bride in those days...lifted upon strong shoulders...

I am not sure how the bride exits the sedan chair... but it's definitely not in shorts, slippers and sleeveless tee, with handbag and mineral water bottle...and without a veil for the face :P

...trying to draw water from the well... (Perigi Hang Li Po?)

Yeeaaay! Succeeded.

Puppet show...

A gigantic sculpture of the giraffe, Admirer Cheng Ho brought from Africa to China...during one of his overseas travels... The sculpture was many times my height.

I can't remember how many storeys we had to climb just to see its head.

See how tall the sculpture was?

more history lessons...

Nice miniature ships...

Time to go home..

On our last day in KL, dad brought us to Duck King for lunch...It was our first time there...so none of us knew what to expect. But the food was really good. Hong Kong style... I liked it.

After lunch... it was time for some physical exertion to use up some energy before dinner...Ben decided that he would go and hunt for lizards in my garden :SAHhhhh.... Gotcha!!! (me shuddering behind the camera)

Lizard calmed down after a while...

...till Ben 'creatively' tried to make it climb up the bamboo-like plant... Lizard fell off when he tried to climb and was in shock for a while...

...Traumatized... After all that ordeal, Lizard did not even want to budge when he was put down... I guess he just wanted to feel the firm ground beneath his feeties...

Dad brought us to this marvellous seafood restaurant @ Wai Sek Kai, OUG... on our last night in KL. I at first balked at the idea of eating fish-head (have never been a fan of it) - but I decided after that night, that I might as well change my mind...

Ben and myself :)

The place was crowded with eager diners... we had to sit near the kitchen where all the exciting activities were happening :P

my beloved, handsome daddy...

He was chatting with Zoey online... (on his superb Nokia phone) - so I decided to ask sis if I could 'steal' away some of her belongings to take back to Penang with me. Hehe..thanks sis!:P

Ben: Eat, eat, eat...

Sorry to be gross... but the food was so good that I forgot to take any photos till we had finished attacking the food. The humongous fish-head steamed with garlic and ginger was fresh and delicious... and unlike any restaurant in Penang, the price for one meal was extraordinarily cheap. Only RM30-40 (somewhere in between). Dad, Ben and I were very satisfied. *burrrrp*

Anyways...we had a safe journey back to Penang.

Back in Penang's traffic jams, polluted air and hot weather...

Sunday: To Trinity church we go again...with rounder faces this time.