Gimme a break - tell me something I don't know! LOL...
You Are 60% Boyish and 40% Girlish
You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch. Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes. You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them. You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be.
How Boyish or Girlish Are You?
What Does Your Birthdate Mean?
You tend to be the rock in relationships - people depend on you.
Thoughtful and caring, you often put others needs first.
You aren't content to help those you know... you want to give to the world.
An idealist, you strive for positive change and dream about how much better things could be.
Your strength: Your intuition
Your weakness: You put yourself last
Your power color: Rose
Your power symbol: Cloud
Your power month: June
What Does Your Birth Date Mean?
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Counting my blessings
I recently mentioned to a friend that God has blessed me so much this past year that I felt that Christmas has been a year-long event. Since this my blog, I think I will indulge and count my blessings unashamedly .... please bear with me as I count my blessings and name them one by one!
I never expected that I'd have the opportunity to study here in Regent, although I've dreamed of doing so for many years. I was moved to tears when I received news that I've been granted a scholarship by the College. My heart leapt with joy at God's awesome provision.
Leaving family and friends, YA and all was not easy. I had to wrap things up in the office, packed up my room as I was not sure when I will return to KL and basically tried to pack my life into 2 suitcases. Church and YA was busy with 40 Days Purpose Driven Life during that season, which provided a natural break that made way for my departure. All the farewell meals and well wishes served to remind me that there are people out there who care for me and will always be interested in my welfare no matter where I am on this planet Earth. I am truly blessed.
I am grateful for the wonderful accommodation that He has provided for me. Even managed to make arrangements for someone to pick me up from the airport. I am thankful for the opportunity to study at the feet of Christ, through His servants, especially in the summer. His grace sustained me through all the courses I took. I was also processing through a lot of things with regards to my decision to come here, my calling and my faith altogether. He provided a good friend here, who patiently heard me out and helped walk me through that period. With many years of experience as a minister albeit in a different tradition, and a personality that's totoally unlike mine, he was the perfect candidate to be my sounding board.
The Fall term, being my first term proper, had its trying moments. Nevertheless it has been relatively smooth and good generally. Found a church to settle in; made friends whom I can share to cook with; got involved with the International Alpha group; and survived all my papers and exams, especially Greek. The Christian Thought and Culture 1 course ended up quite a nightmare as the amount of material we had to study for the exams were enormous. I felt rather overwhelmed and didn't know where to start preparing for the exams. It was at this point when emails started going around as people were consolidating the materials and freely shared their notes with fellow coursemates. It was pretty amazing to see such Christian attitude and my friend jokingly mentioned that community arises out of crises!
He has given me a fantastic job, which matches my giftings and somewhat meticulous nature. I'm learning a lot from my supervisor and appreciate the ability to supplement my income. Although I don't work many hours, it's still time which I could otherwise spend on my studies. Thus it forces me to be more disciplined with my time management as I will have to put in more hours into my job when Winter term begins in 2 weeks time.
My first Christmas in Vancouver is a memorable one. Besides all the great food, it's been a time of getting closer to some of my friends and opportunity to get to know others a little better. Usually during the term, everyone is busy and College is not exactly the easiest place to socialise and develop friendships. It was also great to hear from family, friends and colleagues from home and around the world, literally. I do miss spending Christmas with loved ones as it's not been easy being so far away from people I care about. I can only entrust them to His loving arms and look to Him to take good care of them. I didn't think I'd say this, but I miss the craziness of our Christmas services back home. The Christmas services here are so mild and quiet. Some churches do put up large scale productions but these would usually be staged during the first 2 weeks of December.
I had my share of Christmas gifts this year but the one that stands out is the following poem from a friend, who is very observant and obviously knows me quite well! All the way from Malaysia, it came printed in a hand-bound volume of poems she wrote for different folks.
Cheryl Wong,
She sure ain't King Kong.
Though the impact she makes on people,
To that mighty ape is quite comparable.
Loud, hip, fun and funky,
That's Cheryl, even before she gets friendly.
Taking pride in being positively different.
She has done well, I am very certain.
I don't know about you,
But I for one, miss this cool dude.
Of course I'm glad she's enjoying herself at apple fests,
Between her many assignments and doctrinal tests.
She loves to dance to Michael Bublé,
I bet with her moves she can flatten a soufflé. ;p
However I know where she got all her funkiness,
Her mom games online with the household broadband wireless.
She, the strong-faithed yuppy,
Me, the ol' boring frizzy pea,
Together we go absolutely crazy,
It's been wonderful having her as a friend,
Also 'cos her C.S. Lewis books to me, she lent.
- by
I never expected that I'd have the opportunity to study here in Regent, although I've dreamed of doing so for many years. I was moved to tears when I received news that I've been granted a scholarship by the College. My heart leapt with joy at God's awesome provision.
Leaving family and friends, YA and all was not easy. I had to wrap things up in the office, packed up my room as I was not sure when I will return to KL and basically tried to pack my life into 2 suitcases. Church and YA was busy with 40 Days Purpose Driven Life during that season, which provided a natural break that made way for my departure. All the farewell meals and well wishes served to remind me that there are people out there who care for me and will always be interested in my welfare no matter where I am on this planet Earth. I am truly blessed.
I am grateful for the wonderful accommodation that He has provided for me. Even managed to make arrangements for someone to pick me up from the airport. I am thankful for the opportunity to study at the feet of Christ, through His servants, especially in the summer. His grace sustained me through all the courses I took. I was also processing through a lot of things with regards to my decision to come here, my calling and my faith altogether. He provided a good friend here, who patiently heard me out and helped walk me through that period. With many years of experience as a minister albeit in a different tradition, and a personality that's totoally unlike mine, he was the perfect candidate to be my sounding board.
The Fall term, being my first term proper, had its trying moments. Nevertheless it has been relatively smooth and good generally. Found a church to settle in; made friends whom I can share to cook with; got involved with the International Alpha group; and survived all my papers and exams, especially Greek. The Christian Thought and Culture 1 course ended up quite a nightmare as the amount of material we had to study for the exams were enormous. I felt rather overwhelmed and didn't know where to start preparing for the exams. It was at this point when emails started going around as people were consolidating the materials and freely shared their notes with fellow coursemates. It was pretty amazing to see such Christian attitude and my friend jokingly mentioned that community arises out of crises!
He has given me a fantastic job, which matches my giftings and somewhat meticulous nature. I'm learning a lot from my supervisor and appreciate the ability to supplement my income. Although I don't work many hours, it's still time which I could otherwise spend on my studies. Thus it forces me to be more disciplined with my time management as I will have to put in more hours into my job when Winter term begins in 2 weeks time.
My first Christmas in Vancouver is a memorable one. Besides all the great food, it's been a time of getting closer to some of my friends and opportunity to get to know others a little better. Usually during the term, everyone is busy and College is not exactly the easiest place to socialise and develop friendships. It was also great to hear from family, friends and colleagues from home and around the world, literally. I do miss spending Christmas with loved ones as it's not been easy being so far away from people I care about. I can only entrust them to His loving arms and look to Him to take good care of them. I didn't think I'd say this, but I miss the craziness of our Christmas services back home. The Christmas services here are so mild and quiet. Some churches do put up large scale productions but these would usually be staged during the first 2 weeks of December.
I had my share of Christmas gifts this year but the one that stands out is the following poem from a friend, who is very observant and obviously knows me quite well! All the way from Malaysia, it came printed in a hand-bound volume of poems she wrote for different folks.
Cheryl Wong,
She sure ain't King Kong.
Though the impact she makes on people,
To that mighty ape is quite comparable.
Loud, hip, fun and funky,
That's Cheryl, even before she gets friendly.
Taking pride in being positively different.
She has done well, I am very certain.
I don't know about you,
But I for one, miss this cool dude.
Of course I'm glad she's enjoying herself at apple fests,
Between her many assignments and doctrinal tests.
She loves to dance to Michael Bublé,
I bet with her moves she can flatten a soufflé. ;p
However I know where she got all her funkiness,
Her mom games online with the household broadband wireless.
She, the strong-faithed yuppy,
Me, the ol' boring frizzy pea,
Together we go absolutely crazy,
It's been wonderful having her as a friend,
Also 'cos her C.S. Lewis books to me, she lent.
- by
Monday, December 26, 2005
Do you have a dream?
The Lord recently reminded me about my prayers and 'vision' for the young adults ministry. I've only shared this with a few people.... usually when pressed for an answer! People have asked me about my dreams for the Young Adults' Fellowship. I remember sharing that I would like to see a young adults' service, and envisioned about 800 to 1,000 people in that service. It's probably not much of a vision, considering the size of our church. It will be a very cool and relaxed service, with TV ministry and all (at that time, FGA has not launched into shooting and recording of our services or even special events). Nevertheless, YAF was numbering in the region of 70-80 and thus to think of running our own service seem like a mammoth task. I brought this vision in prayer before the Lord and committed it to Him. I did not press the issue or sat down to draw up a game plan for achieving this.
I recall times when I would be so overwhelmed by the sheer responsiblity of shepherding this group He's placed under my care. It scared me to think of the eternal consequences if I 'failed' to do my part. I was so aware of my own inadequacy and couldn't help feeling He had picked the wrong candidate for this job. Often the only thing I could do was to throw myself at His mercy and begged Him for wisdom and grace to respond to His call. I knew I was not working, and cannot work, in my own strength. Of course, I also do not work alone but with a very excellent, committed and God-loving team. I am grateful for His sustenance and their support these past few years.
One thing I had to learn was to trust Him who is the author of each of our faith. It's not something I can nor should try to control. Each person has a personal responsibility for responding to God or rejecting Him. Sure it breaks my heart to see some falling away. In fact that's been one of the things that have greatly troubled me from my days in youth ministry, that is to see Christians who were on fire, strong and even serving as leaders, fall away. I don't always understand and I definitely don't care to judge. However I know it is very painful for me to see that and my prayer always is that they will one day return to the Lord. Yet the Lord has also shown me how some who used to be walking in rebellion in their youth have in recent years, turned around and are serving God fervently.
Looking back, I think the 'strategy' the Lord gave me was to look at each person as an individual. I don't know what I was suppose to 'do' but I remember my brother telling me ... simply love them. I did the best I knew how, to care, to offer my listening ear, at times, offer my 2 cents worth. Basically it is about being there for that one person and hoped that I can in a small sense, incarnate the presence of God with them in moments when it really matter. I realised that through these years, it was not the 'vision' that kept me going, but rather the fact that my desire is to see each one of them walking with the Lord and that I would not lose anyone of them (yi ge to bu nen sao - not one less!) Well, even with Jesus, one fell away so I don't expect to be greater than my Master. These past few years, I am grateful for the the opportunity to connect with different individuals although I know I must have missed out some. I was not able to connect with as many and in as much depth as I would have liked to, and for that I am truly sorry. It was not my intention to discriminate and I know I have failed many . I hope these will be able to find a place in their heart to forgive me for my shortcomings and failures. Nevertheless, this group will always have a very special place in my heart and remain very dear to me.
I think it is this latter concern that none should fall away that has kept me going, more than the vision of seeing a large young adult service. Yet today, that vision has come to pass somewhat although I can't be there see it for myself. That's ok, cause I have already seen it in my heart for the past few years. I know the conditions are not ideal and may even be very trying at times. Like all pioneering work, there will be season of ploughing, sowing and planting but I know all these too will only last for a season. It's not an exclusively young adult service, but it is something better... more than what I had imagined. There's an integration of younger ones, like those who are studying and will be joining the marketplace soon. This will also be a great place for those who in their 30s or so, those who are married and others to catch up. It may not always seem that way, but I believe this service has tremendous potential ... because of the potential of the people who make up this service and the potential of what God can do in, through and among them!
I recall times when I would be so overwhelmed by the sheer responsiblity of shepherding this group He's placed under my care. It scared me to think of the eternal consequences if I 'failed' to do my part. I was so aware of my own inadequacy and couldn't help feeling He had picked the wrong candidate for this job. Often the only thing I could do was to throw myself at His mercy and begged Him for wisdom and grace to respond to His call. I knew I was not working, and cannot work, in my own strength. Of course, I also do not work alone but with a very excellent, committed and God-loving team. I am grateful for His sustenance and their support these past few years.
One thing I had to learn was to trust Him who is the author of each of our faith. It's not something I can nor should try to control. Each person has a personal responsibility for responding to God or rejecting Him. Sure it breaks my heart to see some falling away. In fact that's been one of the things that have greatly troubled me from my days in youth ministry, that is to see Christians who were on fire, strong and even serving as leaders, fall away. I don't always understand and I definitely don't care to judge. However I know it is very painful for me to see that and my prayer always is that they will one day return to the Lord. Yet the Lord has also shown me how some who used to be walking in rebellion in their youth have in recent years, turned around and are serving God fervently.
Looking back, I think the 'strategy' the Lord gave me was to look at each person as an individual. I don't know what I was suppose to 'do' but I remember my brother telling me ... simply love them. I did the best I knew how, to care, to offer my listening ear, at times, offer my 2 cents worth. Basically it is about being there for that one person and hoped that I can in a small sense, incarnate the presence of God with them in moments when it really matter. I realised that through these years, it was not the 'vision' that kept me going, but rather the fact that my desire is to see each one of them walking with the Lord and that I would not lose anyone of them (yi ge to bu nen sao - not one less!) Well, even with Jesus, one fell away so I don't expect to be greater than my Master. These past few years, I am grateful for the the opportunity to connect with different individuals although I know I must have missed out some. I was not able to connect with as many and in as much depth as I would have liked to, and for that I am truly sorry. It was not my intention to discriminate and I know I have failed many . I hope these will be able to find a place in their heart to forgive me for my shortcomings and failures. Nevertheless, this group will always have a very special place in my heart and remain very dear to me.
I think it is this latter concern that none should fall away that has kept me going, more than the vision of seeing a large young adult service. Yet today, that vision has come to pass somewhat although I can't be there see it for myself. That's ok, cause I have already seen it in my heart for the past few years. I know the conditions are not ideal and may even be very trying at times. Like all pioneering work, there will be season of ploughing, sowing and planting but I know all these too will only last for a season. It's not an exclusively young adult service, but it is something better... more than what I had imagined. There's an integration of younger ones, like those who are studying and will be joining the marketplace soon. This will also be a great place for those who in their 30s or so, those who are married and others to catch up. It may not always seem that way, but I believe this service has tremendous potential ... because of the potential of the people who make up this service and the potential of what God can do in, through and among them!
Festivity Feastings
This was farewell tea for Uncle Paul who returned to Singapore, a few weeks before Christmas. Check out the size of the cakes!!
Some of us at the Christmas gathering for international students in Regent. They actually found a home who were willing and able to host over 50 of us! We all looked sane but the truth is we were all right in the midst of preparations for final exam.
Another interesting fact about this photo is there are 2 Japanese, 2 Malaysians and 2 Singaporeans, in that order, from the outer circles moving towards the center.
Invited myself, and Sally, to Joey and Michelle's place for dinner - they served us authentic Korean food!
Have not only been stuffing myself like turkey ... couple of us spent Christmas Eve afternoon with some very lovely old folks, singing carols with them. Nothing fancy. Just a casual sing-a-long to bring some cheer.
Christmas Eve dinner at my place! These guys were awesome. Did all the cooking and even decorated my apartment.
Interesting composition of 3 Indian nationals, 3 Singaporeans, 3 Malaysians (yours truly included), 1 Dutch of Chinese origin and 1 American.
Bruce carving the Christmas turkey!
Beautiful flambé flames on the Christmas pudding
Spent Christmas day with a bunch of Regent students (after Christmas service in church) ... had lots to eat, went for a short hike and ended the day playing trivias! Christmas items on the menu include Christmas pudding, mincepies and mulled wine ... all very English. Infact, the whole British Isle was represented ... we had folks from England, Scotland and Ireland! Some of us even watched the Queen's Christmas speech to the Commonwealth on BBC via the internet.
Others hail from Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Netherland, Switzerland, California and East Canada. Generally I found this was a season of bonding for those of us who were spending Christmas away from home, family, friends, loved ones and church!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Friends
Kirstin - an American friend that I made from Summer. She's done for now, so it's time for another goodbye ...
Alison and Izumi ... we survived Greek together. Alison is a fellow Malaysian from DUMC. Izumi worked for a while in USA navy base in Japan and is the conductor for our Gospel choir! Not your typical Japanese girl at all.
These are some of my buddies that have helped keep me sane this past term. The pretty one in front of me is Dan Bee, a Korean first year student in UBC. Her parents have been missionaries in Kenya for quite a few years. Christina, on her right, is an Indonesian who grew up in Singapore, and this is also her first year in Vancouver. Her plan is to do graduate studies in Occupational Therapy in UBC. My friendship with Christina is pretty unique. Dan Bee is her housemate. We were celebrating Christina's birthday in an South East Asian restaurant with Indonesian, Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine. Yes!
Sophia and KC - newly wed from Singapore. They are fellow Regent students who stay in the same residence as me. We share to cook and eat dinner together most days of the week.
Sally, a fellow Regent student with Hong Kong parentage roots, hails from the Netherlands.
Cathy is a friend I met at the International students Alpha course I attend to help out. Majority of them, including Cathy, are from China.
Faculty for Fall
Dr. Iain Provan - my very excellent Old Testament lecturer! Very inspiring and I absolutely love his Scottish accent.
Loren and Mary-Ruth Wilkinson - the people who taught me so much about Advent!
This is not the most flattering shot of him, but Dave made learning Greek bearable. That's a real compliment, considering the torturous amount of work you need to put in to get through it. Thus I am so glad I'm done with it!
Carolyn and Bruce Hindmarsh - I'm in one of the two tutorial groups that Bruce oversees.
Christmas gathering of both the tutorial groups at the Hindmarshes. They had us all over on the first week of the term too. Truly hospitable folks. There were more than 40 of us, spouses included.
Two of our very sporting lectures (Darrell Johnson, left and Sven Soderlund, hails from Sweden) presenting a spoof of "Silver Bells", at the recent Regent College's Christmas party.
View from my window
Sky on fire - ARMAGEDDON?!
The following photos were shot at about the same time each day, a few days from each other.
Clear on one day - can even see the ocean, near the middle of this photo.
Foggy the next - very low visibility.
And then you wake up to this... the lamp posts really remind me of Narnia!
It's dangerous when it snows because many of the vehicles and drivers here are not adapted to such road conditions. Quite a sight to watch a huge bus slide as it negotiates a corner.
The following photos were shot at about the same time each day, a few days from each other.
Clear on one day - can even see the ocean, near the middle of this photo.
Foggy the next - very low visibility.
And then you wake up to this... the lamp posts really remind me of Narnia!
It's dangerous when it snows because many of the vehicles and drivers here are not adapted to such road conditions. Quite a sight to watch a huge bus slide as it negotiates a corner.
More pics from Stanley Park
Simply love the shades ... all in a row
Check out the fog hovering behind.
Walked right into the fog at this section of the park! Yup all within a few minutes. This was photo was taken from Prospect Point, which on a clear day, you should be able to see the mounts and river very clearly.
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