Saturday, November 07, 2009
I used to follow up on this Indian family which is kinda messed up. First, when I get to know this family, the mom is living in a 4 room flat with 2 kids and an unborn. The eldest of the kids came to one of our church event when one of my kid invited her. As I visit the family, I kinda sense that something is wrong with the family. After visiting *Rita (fake name) for a while, the mom started to be open to me and told me her story. Its strange when you never get to see the father at home, and you will just think whether or not this family has a fatherly figure. It's not nice to ask directly, and prob you can only know bits and pieces when you become closer to the family.
Her 2 daughters are 9 and 3 years old respectively. They don't live with their dad anymore because they are filling a divorce. The mom is not working, esp with a big tummy, who then is providing for her? It was then that I heard the mom saying the baby inside her womb does not belong to Rita's dad. THis man has been taking care of the family and even feeding the kids of her previous hubby.
The funny thing is, I have never seen this man before and what I heard from the mom is that her own mom always come to her doorstep to scold and curse her own daughter. I love Rita alot and always try to make her happy. Knowing her family situation, I applied for monthly grocery help from church and help her to get shoes, and at times clothes when she needs it. I gave her free tuition, brought her to my home for dinner and gave her my attention whenever she needed it. Rita isnt very good in her studies, not very eloquent too, but she being the eldest in the family, I could see some kind of 'motherly figure' when she takes care of her younger sis *Rinaa (fake name).
Not long after the mom gave birth to the baby, she opened an Indian stall to sell Indian food with her father of the newborn. Hence, Rita and Rinaa was often left at home alone. Once, I brought them out for a mac meal nearby with the permission of her mom of coz. When I brought them home, her mom was thanking me for bringing them out, as their father, her ex hubby came knocking at her door fiercely wanting to take the daughters away. That time, I do secretly thank God that the kids weren't at home. But still I told her calmly that if that happens again, she should close the door tight and call the police, I cant be there to defend her in such situation.
As I thought that life for this family seemed better with a man who is willing to take care of this family, things took a turn. I have since passed the group to another person to follow up on, and my time with Rita was greatly reduced. I then heard from the visitation leader that Rita and Rinaa is leaving for India to study and Rita have since stopped her primary education. Though shocked, I was too pre-occupied to visit Rita for the last time before she flys off. Thinking that it might be good for her to go over to India to study as her mom has relatives there to take care of them, I simply said a prayer for her.
About 2 years later, I suddenly received a call from an unknown HP no. As I pick it up, to my pleasant surprise, it was Rita on the other line. She was back in Singapore. Not that she kept my no with her, she coincidentally bump into ther friend who brought her back to church years back and asked for my number from her. I thought it would be nice to know that she has completed her education there or might be back for her vacation. But that was not what I thought it would be.......
Rita told me over the phone that she never get to study when she was in India. In fact, she was there to take care of Rinaa as she studies there. She stays with a relative there all these while and her only job scope was to take care of Rinaa, plus some simple household chores. In fact, she also thought that she could study when she was there, but it turned out to be otherwise. But since Rita never enjoyed studying in Singapore, she took it well and enjoyed her school-less life for close to 2 years. Rinaa will always bug Rita to bring her to church when they are in India. Seemed like Rinaa can never forget her time in CCH. I guess certain emotions do spring up when Rita talks about her life in India. I never imagined something like that can happen to someone I know. My heart goes out to Rita.
Back in Singapore, the next shocking news was that Rita did not stay with her mom upon return. Only Rinaa gets to go home with her mom, while Rita was sent to stay with her grandparents living in the North-east of Singapore. Which grandparents? The one that used to curse and scld her own daughter at the door step? I have no idea. All I know was, Rita felt abandoned and missed Rinaa a lot. We didn't have a long chat, but that chat was good enough to leave a footprint in my heart. Since then, I didn't really speak to Rita on the phone, all we had was exchanged some SMS. As she's back in Singapore, her grandparents sent her back to school. She had to take PSLE this year, and cannot go straight to secondary school like her ex classmates. Its not easy for her to go back to her original school to do PSLE with a group of classmates she never knew.
I guess with a story like hers, most people might have gave up studying altogether? Have not seen her since her return, not convenient for me to pop by her grandparents place. Neither could she come back to church as her grandparents strongly objected to it. It's time to contact her through SMS again.....................
10:47 AM
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Do you know that names play a big part of our lives? Its so important that we seldom use our own name. Think about this, your name belongs to you, yet, how many times u call yourself in a day? Most of the time, its being used by others. Familiar or not familiar with you, they use your name.
I was chatting with the PA of my big boss sometime back and I asked her how was the interview of the new pantry lady coming about. I saw quite a few people coming for interview, yet I don't see any new pantry lady. She told me something that kinda set me thinking. Apparently, she found a suitable candidate. Every thing about her is what the company is looking for, but there's only one thing about her that my boss's PA cannot accept. She has the same name as my lady boss. Imagine someone asking for the pantry lady and calls her name, and my lady boss happen to be in the showroom as well.
Hmmmm... Feel weird
isnt it? And because she is not willing to use another name in the office, the company could not employ her. You may see it as ridiculous, but true.
Next, a similar incident. We had a new Duty Facility Officer couple of months back. Know as Wong. Yes, he's a nice person, and did the best for his job. In fact, the best
DFO we've employed so far. But for some particular reason, he left the job. Shortly after he left, I found out that he has a name that we never knew since we know him as Wong. You may have guessed it, the same christian name as my big boss....
Hahahaha.. Having the same name as my big boss and lady boss here will mean that you have to either change a name or be called otherwise. Now, you choose, change name or secure a job?
Another incident that happened in the office. We have a part time cleaner called Anna. She's been in this company for many years. Last year, the company employed a contract staff from China as a full time cleaner and some pantry duties. Her
cheena name was quite a barrier for many of my '
ang mo' speaking colleagues. And, we also have quite a number of expats coming in and out of showroom, they conveniently gave her a new christian name, even without asking her! To make things easy, they started to call her Annie, which
rhymes with Anna, our part time cleaner. So no matter how they call, one of the cleaners will respond. I wonder if she really like her new name. And this name was used in our
extension number list. Imagine she goes back to China with her new name? Or she may abandon this name altogether, so as to forget her
Singapore (bad) working experience?
What an irony is that. Our name belongs to us, yet we seldom use it, forced to change it or forced to hide it. I've never called Annie as Annie. I call her by her original name, never know whether she likes this name or not...............
4:21 PM
My Flyer Experience................ 1/11/2009
On the train going towards Bugis!
After grabbing a small bite
The flyer!!!
Cam whoring before we go up!
I forced him to take this. I admit
He thinks alot... I mean it
We will walk together for the rest of our lives
I specially like this photo, it speaks of a long way ahead of us, yet God will not shortchange us, He will give us a nice scenery to look at as we walk together with Him
The 'adventurous' me suggested that we try the 10 min fish spa which I always wanted to try.. It turned out to be a 10 min torture. The fish were tickling us like crazy!!!
Look at how stiff my legs were!! I laughed so hard that I felt like sleeping after that
Nonetheless, we still took a photo despite being 'tortured'. I bet you cant tell we were 'suffering'
Inside the flyer! Nice!
A pic of our fellow passengers on board
Finally, I'm just happy!
3:57 PM
Monday, November 02, 2009
Over the past weekend, I felt really privileged to be able to serve during the Expo 1pm service. I was tasked to teach one of the lessons - exercising love. I guess CCH's lesson always have a way in me. As I internalize the whole lesson, I often find myself inspired and touched by the simplicity of the WOG and how these little truths can shape a person's life, esp children's. Many of these lessons are already what we know. Yet, time and time again, simple things like this can be so neglected. Though I was tasked to teach 'exercising love', I was very touched by the lesson before me. 'Love omits'
My fellow teacher told the story about 'tie a yellow ribbon on the oak tree' Many of us have heard this story. A true story, but I was reminded of this touching story. And, I was so ministered...
A prisoner was due to be released from prison after committing some crimes. Before his release, he wrote a letter to his wife...
Dearest,
I know there maybe 101 things that you can be upset about when you think of me. I am very sorry for all that I've caused you over the past years. Being in this prison cell gave me a 2nd chance to look at life itself and feel contented to be breathing. I have also thought through all that I went though and have made a decision to make sure I don't repeat the mistakes again. One of the first thing that I want to do is to see you and the children, and tell you how much I want to be given the chance to take care of the family once again.
Next week, I will be relased and will take the first bus that day towards Miami, Florida. The bus will pass by our little town of Georgia. If you are willing to forgive me and allow me to come back to the family, please tie a yellow ribbon round the lone oak tree at TOwn square. If I didnt see the yellow ribbon, I will know that I shouldnt alight the bus and head straight to Miami, and will never again pester you.
Love,
Your hubby
On that particular day, the man boarded the bus with a heavy heart. Not knowing how to react should there be no yellow ribbon. The people on the bus happened to know of this and requested for the driver to slow down when they are approaching the Town Square. THe whole bus was filled with anticipation. Every one was hoping for a great renioun to happen. The man himself, seated at the last seat, didint dare to even lift up his head, preparing his heart to see an empty oak tree, getting ready for his long journey towards Florida.
As the bus approaches, the people in the bus were all looking out of the window. Soon, cheers and shouts filled the entire bus, the man, lift up his head slowly. No, there wasnt a yellow ribbon, there was hundreds of yellow ribbons on the lone oak tree! Below it stood the wife and their child. The man dashed down the bus, ran and hugged the wife in his arms and embraced their child between them. Indeed, the wife chose to omit the past mistakes, leave behind all her bad experiences and is willing to forgive and start a new life with the man.
Additional emotions and characters are added by me in the above story...
A beautiful story isnt it? I have always loved this story. Always very touched by it.
Next entry, photo blog on my flyer experience
11:45 AM
Thursday, October 22, 2009
I am person who loves to smell good. As a result I do have a few bottles of perfumes at home, different brands, different fragrance. I like to smell good and also different almost everyday. That resulted in having more than 7 bottles of perfume at home, so that I can have 7 different fragrant everyday. However, I don't know since when, I've stop putting on perfume altogether. Could be because I've become lazy, or, I just can't be bothered. I remember having perfumes that I've never used before, and will 'open' it for the first time when I am feeling not-so-good that morning. Using a new fragrance makes my day, of course, it must be something I like.
The funny thing is, I never really spends money on fragrances. I receive them as gifts most of the time. The only perfume I've bought was Issey Miyaki. My very first perfume that I've ever used. It was first given to me as a gift from my 'puppy-love' boyfriend then, in minature size. I kinda fell in love with that fragrance and got it as a gift again from another of my ex many years later. Next, during my 21st birthday, my gang of poly girls got me a Issey Miyaki gift set with a hand and body lotion as my present, which was what I requested them to buy, so as to save them from the trouble, not knowing what to get for me. After I came out to work, I finally used my own money to buy a bottle of Issey Miyaki, which was about 3 years ago. Each Issay Miyaki have always lasted me for years. Hahaha!
Besides that bottle of Issey Miyaki that I bought with my own money, all other frangances you see on my table are gifts. I have to date, Kate Moss, CK in2u, Escada, Paul Smith Rose, Adiddas, and my latest gift from a friend who came back from US, Victoria Secrets. I believe I have much more, but off hand, I really cant remember. These are the more commonly used ones. I like floral frangances. Frangrance that gives a 'sweet' smell, resulting in a sweet feeling.
Remember I was saying how I used to put on perfume everyday without fail? I guess I stopped using fragrance for a few month. Recently, because of the Victoria Secret perfume that my friend passed to me, I started to spray on something every other day again. Since it has been some time since I spray them on, each time I put on a frangrance, strangly, I will get reminded of certain incidents that happened when I was with this fragrance last time. Scenarios like I was at this place at this time with this fragrance, will spring up to my mind. Familiar frangance brings familiar scenes into my mind. I guess its good as I am quite a sentimental girl. The thought of 'awwww, such a familiar smell' will always bring a smile to my face. I guess, smells do have a way in me some how.
I was readin the papers during lunch today and I saw this article
I would love to have one at home. I can put it in my room and use it as my dressing table. Just throw the existing one away, and I will have space for it. I've asked EW to buy it for me, but he says he cant afford it now, as its too ex. Well, it cost $2888 per cabin and I like the red one. Anyone who is reading this can share with each other and buy it for me as my birthday present. I think its really cool to have the cable car cabin at home. And I have nice memories taking it with EW just months ago. I was quite sad that they had decided to stop offering this service. I would love to go ride in it again. But then again. Im thankful that I went for it before it cease operation =)
3 years ago, Granny left us after a fall at home. She hanged on there for almost a month or 2 before she finally breathe her last. I do miss her at times esp during Octobers. Since its October again, I automatically recalled my last conversation with her 3 years back, and her tone of voice for calling my name will find its way in my mind. Granny lives in my heart and i think thats the best way to tell her that she means alot to me even after her death. My traditional family on the other hand has another way of loving my late granny. Last Sunday, they held a whole day ritual for her to make sure that her spirit lives well. It was a grand affair, comparable to her funeral 3 years back. Though I don't understand why they need to do such a ritual for her, spend so much money for a late spcial someone, I still went ahead and sat through it. Would love to stay home and sleep, but yet, I jsut want to respect my parents since they insist that I have to be there. I forgot to take photo of how the priest jumped over fire during the ritual, but below are 2 photos I took. They are going to 'send' my late granny a private jet with private poilte, 2 servants in every cabin, a merc with driver, a bigger house than last time, and a ship. They show thier love to my late granny in this manner
Oh well, granny, you are being missed. And I still have to say this, you live in my heart, always.
4:49 PM
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Oh dear me.... I've totally neglected my blog like never before! I just want to thank God for bringing in the 11 000 kids to our Children's Day Party. It was a very tiring 3 weeks for many of us as we saturate non stop. So many nights we spent out in one of those HDB blks, inviting kids to our party. I think as a zone, we've really gave all that we can, every ounce of energy that's within us to do the best for this event. I don't think I can ever find another group of such committed and dedicated group of people anywhere else!
Last week during service, our very own kids band performed 1 praise and 1 worship in front of the adults. I'm superly proud of them. The worship was just so awesome. God used children to minister to the adults. I looked around the adults around me who were worshipping with the kids, I knew that they are so touched and encouraged. What a sweet prescene of God it was there and then. It's a innocent and pure kind of atmosphere in that hall. How different was it! Never underestimate what God can do with these little voices.
In the midst of our ever-so-busy big day, I celebrated the birthdays of 3 important people in my life. A day before the 1st big day was sis' birthday. Rushed down to Tampines One after work to have a simple dinner with the family followed by a short walk around Tampines One, before heading al the way to JW for rehearsal. Next was Jamie's and EW's birthday back to back. That Sat which was Jaymee's actual day, EW and I first headed to Jayden's Birthday bash at Sengkang before we head down to Dempsey and meet up with the rest at PS Cafe.
The people who was there
We had lots of fun and laughter with everyone and lots of phototaking sessions. Like these...
And many many others of course....
Jamie really had fun that day I'm quite sure. She also got her desired Polaroid camera from them! Look at how happy she is!
EW and I got her a nice namecard holder. I love it v much myself. Hahahahaha
5 days before the actual day, I brought her to Frosters for quality steak. It was really good!!!
So nice that its all gone!
I need to talk about this. Order a plate of Escargot and I've never ever ate them before. Was full of suspicion for this weird garmet. It surprisingly tasted quite nice with all the butter! ha!
This funny birthday girl said that she has never tasted such nice broccoli and baby carrots before, hence we ordered a plate of broccoli and carrot! Its the kind you will find on ur steak something like the garnish. And that plate of broccoli and carrot made her so satisfied. I shall just bring her to a veg restaurant in future =X
Followed by ice cream at haagen daze
The very next moment, it's EW's birthday! It was really a very simple affair. I took about 3 weeks to decide on the venue to dine at for both EW and Jaymee. And finally, I decided on Little Bali which will give us a relaxed feeling in the midst of being so busy. It was indeed a nice place, too bad we didnt had the little hut like this, else the whole experience will be even better!
We ordered a fair bit of food and was totally filled in our stomachs!
It wasnt a fantastic birthday celebration. Just a quiet dinner together. I hope that it was a well-enjoyed one!
12:03 PM
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Dear Dairy,
It's been a long time... I didn't update you about my life recently! You should have guessed why. I was being held captive by the Busy Monster! That monster has been holding me captive for a long time, in fact, now too. But I managed to escape from him a while during working hours. Let me quickly fill up your love tank and you know that deep down I want to update you as often as possible!
Tomorrow is the start of our BIGGEST children day party. We are aiming for 10 000 children to come and join us. I seriously am not very sure how I am able to hit my own target at this present moment. Was a little discouraged when I hear the whole world announcing that they have
NCs confirmed. For me, a big fat zero at the moment. I need to work doubly hard, else, I will pull the whole figure down! Saturation is gonna be my everyday lifestyle. I cannot afford to lose out! All the children needs to come!
About a week ago, I finally made up my mind to see a
Chiropractictioner for my back pain. This pain has been living on the inside of me for the past year. Decided to get it treated, of course by the few
nagging from
EW, I plucked up my courage to make an appointment. Yesterday was my 3rd treatment and there's signs of improvement. Though its not going to take just a few sessions to get well, I pray that I am able to follow through this whole process. It's hurting my wallet by quite a bit. After the first session with Dr Nelson, I was in tremendous pain. Pain like never before. He had to adjust my lower spine straight, and the
muscles around it are not used to the correct position, hence, they were protesting like crazy. But, I bit my lips and endured the pain thinking that many of my friends like Lena and Wendy had gotten it treated and its no longer hindering them. I must be strong and endure this process! It's good for me and I need to get well...
Having to do saturation while nursing a back pain is no joke. Very often I have to take breaks in between saturation just to make sure that I'm not giving my back too much stress. Which kinda resulted in low productivity level. At times, its pretty frustrating because I just feel like going all out and not care about any pain, yet, I thought of the pain my wallet have to go through, I become more rational. I cannot sit for long either
coz the pain will start to come. Many times, I have to stand at my desk to do my work after prolonged sitting. The best position? Lie down...
Hahahahha!!!
The month of September is long, slow and scary. I feel like singing the song 'Wake me up, when September ends"! I can't wait to count down to October. Come to think of it, it might just be another long October.
Argh! Dear dairy, what can I do?!?!? I guess I am looking forward to Christmas then. Where Christmas carols, presents, and beautiful
lighting fills the roads. "Wake me up when Christmas comes'!
Regarding work, I am hoping I can find a new job. Shall not
elaborate on the reason for a new job here. Maybe I just need something new and fresh. I'm praying, and seeking, let Your Will be done! I have also paid the deposit for my Uni next year starting in Jan 2010. I'm gonna be schoolmates with Jamie and Bobby! Cool! But not so cool. Thinking of the assignments and exams I have to face, it kinda feels like a dread :s But then again, I need to complete this degree and increase my value! I wanna earn
lotsa money!!!!
Muhahahahaha!!!
So, dear dairy, its another episode of me ranting about everything else in life. I do hope to update you soon! Oh! Busy Monster's coming back to catch me! He brought along the things to look into for Big day
cheer leading and manpower for saturation of the zone!
Ok, I think I really need to go. Don't miss me, I'll see you soon
Joyce
2:35 PM
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Dearest Sunday 4 to 6 Team,
I'm very thankful for each one of you. Special and unique in your own way. You may have joined us for a short while, or may have been fighting alongside with Lena and me since the beginning. The length of the time you've spent serving with us doesn't matter. What matters is, we are so grateful for all the sacrifices you've made to appear in Expo every Sunday morning.
As a team, we've gone though alot together.
Remember the times when we have close to 150 children in THAT room? Everywhere and every corner u go to is filled with children?
Remember that time when we had to soak the toys and clean with serviettes because we care for the cleanliness of the toys?
Remember we had to pack whatever we have into the cupborads to prepare for the Big Great Shift to Hall 1? What a tiring project it was?
Remember how we had to serve 2 or 3 services in a day with growling stomach and a tired body?
Remember that we celebrated Aizhen, Merrill and Shaoliang's bday at Eighteen chef occupying almost half of the resturants, yet our laughter and voices filled the entire restaurant
Remember the many exciting games we had with the children during games time?
As a team, its our dream to have all of you serving God together. The fun and laughter we shared. How our patienceis tested, yet, we had to grit our teeth and smile at our special children.
We once said that we are not a baby sitting ministry, but a ministry that impact little lives. All of you have proved this to be true when our children go to other age group knowing how to worship, praise and pay attention to Bible lesson
Not only we, the ICs are thankful to all of you, the children too, are thankful and God is even more thankful for your love and sacrifices for the children.
Thank you dear teachers, you are a history maker and some one who impact lives...
Happy Teacher's Day!
From Lena and Joyce
1:09 PM
