Just doing some verbal vomit with my imagination here...
If you got married and soon, honeymoon phase is over and you see the real side of your spouse. Suddenly, you got the first punch or the first kick or the first threat. You get real upset. Then perhaps, you'd start asking yourself "Why did I even marry in the first place?". First time lead to second time and perhaps, continuous. After a few weeks/months/years, you'd probably notice that you grew stronger than when everything first started. In a good way, you gained resilience. In a bad way, you actualize the abuse and thinks that it's ok to be treated that way.
I get very sad when one thinks that it's ok to be treated with disrespect. I really wonder "What is ok?" It's in times like these that I long to take the blanket of God and cover them. It's in times like these that I long to tell them that "Hey.. you are not alone! There is someone who really really REALLY loves you alot.." The deepest desire of God is to share His presence with us. I long so much to hug them and share this love.
Anyway, something happened in the afternoon that got me very tensed up. So tensed that when I was swimming in the evening, my calf cramped at my 14th lap. Good thing, I was only about 2m away from the wall so I hopped back and massaged myself. Being stubborn, I swam one-legged to complete my 20-lap swim. However, the irony of it all is that after the swim, I was loosened up and the strain on my right shoulder was no longer painful. On Monday, I couldn't even hold my pen.. :(
All righty.. Time to cuddle up my faithful bed. She has been waiting for me for the whole day... *grinZ*
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Friendship
2 weeks ago in HopeKids, the kids learned about the MOST precious and expensive water. In 2 Samuel 23, it spoke about the friendship between King David and his 3 mighty men. The story depicts of the time when they had won a great fight and David was very thirsty. Despite the "messy" situation outside, David's friends risk their lives to take a cup of water for David.
I learned a thing or 2 about friendship today at HopeKids.
A little boy came into the room and set at the boys' territory. Because most teachers are preparing, we did not really notice that this little boy was crying. When I walked past the boys' territory, I noticed a little girl sitting there. First thought was "VERY rare!! Did she know she's sitting in the wrong place?" So I squat down and asked her "Why are you sitting in the boys' segment?". She told me in the softest whisper pointing to her right "He's crying..."
I told my P2 class that I will give them 1 point for the nicest birthday card made. After a time of cutting, gluing and pasting, the kids finally did up their beautiful cards. Some were really very very well done. When I gave 1 point to this girl, she was so happy and ecstatic. Suddenly, she turned to her right and gave her 1 point to her good friend. Her friend say "Why you always give me your points?". Reply? "Because you are my friend lor!".
Talk about friendship. I think it's really quite heartwarming to witness such loving friendships first hand.
I learned a thing or 2 about friendship today at HopeKids.
A little boy came into the room and set at the boys' territory. Because most teachers are preparing, we did not really notice that this little boy was crying. When I walked past the boys' territory, I noticed a little girl sitting there. First thought was "VERY rare!! Did she know she's sitting in the wrong place?" So I squat down and asked her "Why are you sitting in the boys' segment?". She told me in the softest whisper pointing to her right "He's crying..."
I told my P2 class that I will give them 1 point for the nicest birthday card made. After a time of cutting, gluing and pasting, the kids finally did up their beautiful cards. Some were really very very well done. When I gave 1 point to this girl, she was so happy and ecstatic. Suddenly, she turned to her right and gave her 1 point to her good friend. Her friend say "Why you always give me your points?". Reply? "Because you are my friend lor!".
Talk about friendship. I think it's really quite heartwarming to witness such loving friendships first hand.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
To be sucked in or to have your eyes fixed?
From Dictionary.com
pro·té·gé [proh-tuh-zhey, proh-tuh-zhey]
– a person under the patronage, protection, or care of someone interested in his or her career or welfare.
I watched Protégé at Plaza Singapura last night and deep feelings were etched out of the show. It portrayed an undercover cop trying to bring a heroin druglord to light. In the 8 years, he worked his way up from a poor guy on the streets to be a trusted Protégé under the druglord. In that 8 years, he built friendship with his so-called Master. In the process of his work, he befriended a heroin-addicted neighbour and her daughter. She got hooked onto drugs because of her husband and tried her best to quit. However, in a turn of events, her husband forced his way in and pump in more drugs into her causing her death.
As in any other shows, the druglord was arrested. Despite the choice, he chose to continue to be an undercover cop for the drugs world instead of reinstating his position as a police. He said that after 8 years of being in the circle, whenever he see cops, he will run away. How then, can he be an uniformed cop?
The ending left me most thoughts. After the arrest, the undercover cop lost his directions and purpose. In the 8 years, he always wondered what caused people to go on drugs. He never understood till the death of the druglord and his neighbour. Emptiness. In the moment of emptiness and loneliness, he nearly injected himself with a needle of heroin. Stopped short by the little girl whom he has taken in as her guardian.
The position he has placed himself in is one that is filled with negativity. FILLED with it. To be an undercover also means to take on the role of whoever you are playing. Once you lost your direction and purpose of it, it's easy to be THAT role that you are playing.
I was asked a few months back "How do you feel when you are in a job that's filled with negativity?" I forgot what was my reply but after much consideration, this are my thoughts on the question. It's true that I am in an environment that's quite negative. It's easy to say "Since I see so many divorces, I lost hope in marriage" or "It's so hard being a parent, thus I do not want to have children when it's my turn." Cause I believe that it's always our responsibility to constantly remind ourselves the purpose of getting into this profession. Social workers are meant to be change agents.
In order to be of the correct help, we have to constantly understand our role. I like what my ED say... "No matter how low we try to be on par with the clients, we can never be that low". His point is - We have to emphatise with their situation but no matter what, we are still in a position higher than them.
After being in this line for a year +, I realized what it means to keep my eye fixed on Jesus. It's easy to be swayed left and right. It's easy to be influenced. It's easy to succumb to the temptation of getting depressed. It's also easy to lose focus. Thus, keeping my eye on Jesus helps keep me focused on my purpose and calling.
pro·té·gé [proh-tuh-zhey, proh-tuh-zhey]
təˌʒeɪ, – a person under the patronage, protection, or care of someone interested in his or her career or welfare.
I watched Protégé at Plaza Singapura last night and deep feelings were etched out of the show. It portrayed an undercover cop trying to bring a heroin druglord to light. In the 8 years, he worked his way up from a poor guy on the streets to be a trusted Protégé under the druglord. In that 8 years, he built friendship with his so-called Master. In the process of his work, he befriended a heroin-addicted neighbour and her daughter. She got hooked onto drugs because of her husband and tried her best to quit. However, in a turn of events, her husband forced his way in and pump in more drugs into her causing her death.
As in any other shows, the druglord was arrested. Despite the choice, he chose to continue to be an undercover cop for the drugs world instead of reinstating his position as a police. He said that after 8 years of being in the circle, whenever he see cops, he will run away. How then, can he be an uniformed cop?
The ending left me most thoughts. After the arrest, the undercover cop lost his directions and purpose. In the 8 years, he always wondered what caused people to go on drugs. He never understood till the death of the druglord and his neighbour. Emptiness. In the moment of emptiness and loneliness, he nearly injected himself with a needle of heroin. Stopped short by the little girl whom he has taken in as her guardian.
The position he has placed himself in is one that is filled with negativity. FILLED with it. To be an undercover also means to take on the role of whoever you are playing. Once you lost your direction and purpose of it, it's easy to be THAT role that you are playing.
I was asked a few months back "How do you feel when you are in a job that's filled with negativity?" I forgot what was my reply but after much consideration, this are my thoughts on the question. It's true that I am in an environment that's quite negative. It's easy to say "Since I see so many divorces, I lost hope in marriage" or "It's so hard being a parent, thus I do not want to have children when it's my turn." Cause I believe that it's always our responsibility to constantly remind ourselves the purpose of getting into this profession. Social workers are meant to be change agents.
In order to be of the correct help, we have to constantly understand our role. I like what my ED say... "No matter how low we try to be on par with the clients, we can never be that low". His point is - We have to emphatise with their situation but no matter what, we are still in a position higher than them.
After being in this line for a year +, I realized what it means to keep my eye fixed on Jesus. It's easy to be swayed left and right. It's easy to be influenced. It's easy to succumb to the temptation of getting depressed. It's also easy to lose focus. Thus, keeping my eye on Jesus helps keep me focused on my purpose and calling.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Split personality?
I went dinner with a colleague and I was suddenly asked "Are you usually that quiet?"
He was very surprised when I told him that by nature, I am really a quiet person. He then ask me "But you are so different at work!". I just chuckled, laughed and said "Whoever said that a social worker needs to be bubbly, sociable, talkative?"
He was very surprised when I told him that by nature, I am really a quiet person. He then ask me "But you are so different at work!". I just chuckled, laughed and said "Whoever said that a social worker needs to be bubbly, sociable, talkative?"
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Seeing the good in the bad
A whole afternoon was spent helping a client and child pack their belongings to run away from home to take shelter at somewhere. In that 2 hours of packing, I nearly wanted to flare. For one, I was fearful that the abusive partner will go home early it will be "all hell break loose"! Two, client was angry and screaming. Three, child was mischievous and wanted to nearly pack the whole house. It was hard keeping my control really. I kept reminding myself that I need to be fully aware that every feelings that I portray plays a part in every situation. More importantly, a controlled person will make "cooler" decisions. *tsk*.. Real tough especially when I know that I am a quick tempered person.
However, what actually helped me control was the belief that under those fiery emotions within client and child, there must be hidden feelings yet told. Client's abusive partner. Child being stuck yet involved. Both staying in the flat the whole of their life and now, a decision is made to move away to start anew. How difficult it must have been like. There was this moment when I placed myself in both their shoes, I shuddered.
My heart pained twice. (1) Behind the screamings and anger, in the midst of the packing, it is SO evident that everything that client did was for the good of the child. So even though client may have been railing about not wanting child, it's superficial. (2) When the child cried feeling the fear of the unknown future yet not wanting client to know.
It was always at the back of my mind the fear that client and child will be at loggerheads. However, at the shelter, I saw child hugged client and kissed client on the cheek. Child ran after Client when Client went to the toilet for fear that Client will run away leaving child alone.
I am sure that beneath words of anger and frustration, there will always be this blood ties that can never separate a parent and a child. I should never ever underestimate the power of that love and bond.
However, what actually helped me control was the belief that under those fiery emotions within client and child, there must be hidden feelings yet told. Client's abusive partner. Child being stuck yet involved. Both staying in the flat the whole of their life and now, a decision is made to move away to start anew. How difficult it must have been like. There was this moment when I placed myself in both their shoes, I shuddered.
My heart pained twice. (1) Behind the screamings and anger, in the midst of the packing, it is SO evident that everything that client did was for the good of the child. So even though client may have been railing about not wanting child, it's superficial. (2) When the child cried feeling the fear of the unknown future yet not wanting client to know.
It was always at the back of my mind the fear that client and child will be at loggerheads. However, at the shelter, I saw child hugged client and kissed client on the cheek. Child ran after Client when Client went to the toilet for fear that Client will run away leaving child alone.
I am sure that beneath words of anger and frustration, there will always be this blood ties that can never separate a parent and a child. I should never ever underestimate the power of that love and bond.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Happy Holidays!
I have never enjoyed a holiday as much as I have enjoyed this year's CNY holiday! As the saying goes "All good things must come to an end." I am acutely aware that tomorrow's the last day of holiday thus I have been reminding myself to make the BEST out of it!
This holiday, I did something which I had always wanted to try but never had the chance to - scrapbooking. It was meant to be a gift. There were 2 types of scrapbook I had in mind actually. One's literally formed out of scraps and papers with photos binded together. Another's in an already-binded book with black pages filled with photos and words and maybe some decoration. When friends and I first discussed over emails and smses, I thought it was the latter. However, in a turn of events, it's the former choice. I was naturally VERY ecstatic cause that's the type of scrapbooking which I really wanted to learn.
My love for scrapbook started about 3 years back when I was at Liang Court and I bumped into Made With Love. Soon, it moved to Plaza Singapura and became the largest scrapbook store in Singapore. I was so intrigued by how the little details were put into a design for just one photo. Wanted very much to sign up for the course but time and money were always an issue that goes hand in hand. *smile*
Anyway, the past few days, I have been experimenting with the scraps I have at home and I think, I am seriously addicted to scrapping. Hee... What I enjoy more is the process of improvement. When I did the 1st 2 pieces, it was REALLY yucky. However, along the way, I seek improvement, I searched the web for ideas, for tips, for tricks, etc. There are really beautiful projects that's done by others.
After 3 days, I'm done with my mini-project. Totally satisfied and totally addicted. It was very destressing. After 3 days, I found out another thing about myself - I can be quite an extreme. I can stay in my room, be totally quiet (and I mean REALLY quiet) with music and I am happy with my craft work. On the other hand, I love to be outside in the wind doing sports and being noisy.
And oh... I tried to do digi-scrapping too. My family... :)
This holiday, I did something which I had always wanted to try but never had the chance to - scrapbooking. It was meant to be a gift. There were 2 types of scrapbook I had in mind actually. One's literally formed out of scraps and papers with photos binded together. Another's in an already-binded book with black pages filled with photos and words and maybe some decoration. When friends and I first discussed over emails and smses, I thought it was the latter. However, in a turn of events, it's the former choice. I was naturally VERY ecstatic cause that's the type of scrapbooking which I really wanted to learn.
My love for scrapbook started about 3 years back when I was at Liang Court and I bumped into Made With Love. Soon, it moved to Plaza Singapura and became the largest scrapbook store in Singapore. I was so intrigued by how the little details were put into a design for just one photo. Wanted very much to sign up for the course but time and money were always an issue that goes hand in hand. *smile*
Anyway, the past few days, I have been experimenting with the scraps I have at home and I think, I am seriously addicted to scrapping. Hee... What I enjoy more is the process of improvement. When I did the 1st 2 pieces, it was REALLY yucky. However, along the way, I seek improvement, I searched the web for ideas, for tips, for tricks, etc. There are really beautiful projects that's done by others.
After 3 days, I'm done with my mini-project. Totally satisfied and totally addicted. It was very destressing. After 3 days, I found out another thing about myself - I can be quite an extreme. I can stay in my room, be totally quiet (and I mean REALLY quiet) with music and I am happy with my craft work. On the other hand, I love to be outside in the wind doing sports and being noisy.
And oh... I tried to do digi-scrapping too. My family... :)
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Everything is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Heard this song on Gold 90FM not too long ago. FANTASTIC!!!!
UnfortunatelySimple song.. And life seems SO SO SO simple and beautiful.
Ray Stevens - Everything is Beautiful
Jesus loves the little children
All the little children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in his sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world
Everything is beautiful
In its' own way
Like a starry summer night
Or a snow covered winter's day
Everybody's beautiful
In their own way
Under God's heaven
The world's gonna find a way
There is none so blind
That is he who will not see
We must not close our minds
We must let our thought be free
For every hour that passes by
You know the world
Gets a little bit older
It's time to realize
That beauty lies
In the eyes of the beholder
Everything is beautiful
In its' own way
Like a starry summer nights
Or a snow covered winter's day
Ah, sing it children
Everybody's beautiful
In their own way
Under God's heaven
The world's gonna find a way
We shouldn't care
About the length of his hair
Or the color of his skin
Don't worry about
what shows from without
but the love that lives within
We're gonna get it all together now
Everything gonna work out fine
Just take a little time
to look on the good side my friend
And straighten it out in your mind
Everything is beautiful
In its' own way
Like a starry summer nights
Or a snow covered winter's day
Ah, sing it children
Everybody's beautiful
In their own way
Under God's heaven
The world's gonna find a way
One more time
Everything is beautiful
In its' own way
Like a starry summer nights
UnfortunatelySimple song.. And life seems SO SO SO simple and beautiful.
Ray Stevens - Everything is Beautiful
Jesus loves the little children
All the little children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in his sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world
Everything is beautiful
In its' own way
Like a starry summer night
Or a snow covered winter's day
Everybody's beautiful
In their own way
Under God's heaven
The world's gonna find a way
There is none so blind
That is he who will not see
We must not close our minds
We must let our thought be free
For every hour that passes by
You know the world
Gets a little bit older
It's time to realize
That beauty lies
In the eyes of the beholder
Everything is beautiful
In its' own way
Like a starry summer nights
Or a snow covered winter's day
Ah, sing it children
Everybody's beautiful
In their own way
Under God's heaven
The world's gonna find a way
We shouldn't care
About the length of his hair
Or the color of his skin
Don't worry about
what shows from without
but the love that lives within
We're gonna get it all together now
Everything gonna work out fine
Just take a little time
to look on the good side my friend
And straighten it out in your mind
Everything is beautiful
In its' own way
Like a starry summer nights
Or a snow covered winter's day
Ah, sing it children
Everybody's beautiful
In their own way
Under God's heaven
The world's gonna find a way
One more time
Everything is beautiful
In its' own way
Like a starry summer nights
Monday, February 12, 2007
What is the opposite of love?
Many said that the opposite of Love is Hate. In fact, I think I learned that in my primary school days about Synonyms and Antonyms. Apparently... Not. Not too long ago, my senior at work told me "If you realize, the opposite of Love, is really not Hate. Hate, by itself, is still a very strong feeling. Indifference is the opposite of Love." When he said that, it didn't hit me that hard.
A few days back, someone told "I'd rather have my dad hate me than to have him treating me as if I am invisible."
Again, listening to a story from someone, a rather grey picture (in my perspective) was painted to me. In order to protect oneself, this person choose to be indifferent. Which means, this person explained that he/she really don't know how to feel. When I heard it, I feel like my heart kinda collapse.
I never know how not to feel despite the many times I fail and get disappointed. And having gone through a few failed relationships (alot of friendships), I realized the most painful ones are when the other party treats me indifferently.
So with this, I try to apply to the work with my clients. I have heard many times from parents "Aiya.. I give up hope on my child ah! He is a good for nothing! Useless!" After saying that, fret over their studies, friends they mix with etc.. So I'll know that at least, their hearts are not "dead". Heehee...
Anyway, just the thought of the day.
A few days back, someone told "I'd rather have my dad hate me than to have him treating me as if I am invisible."
Again, listening to a story from someone, a rather grey picture (in my perspective) was painted to me. In order to protect oneself, this person choose to be indifferent. Which means, this person explained that he/she really don't know how to feel. When I heard it, I feel like my heart kinda collapse.
I never know how not to feel despite the many times I fail and get disappointed. And having gone through a few failed relationships (alot of friendships), I realized the most painful ones are when the other party treats me indifferently.
So with this, I try to apply to the work with my clients. I have heard many times from parents "Aiya.. I give up hope on my child ah! He is a good for nothing! Useless!" After saying that, fret over their studies, friends they mix with etc.. So I'll know that at least, their hearts are not "dead". Heehee...
Anyway, just the thought of the day.
Friday, February 09, 2007
-
From the picture, guess who I was today? No prizes for the correct guesses... (*.*)" Yupz.. I was Ms Grumpy today. I feel so not-nice today. I was SO grumpy until my shepherd has to ask me "Why are you so grumpy today?" Sigh.. I also don't know how to answer.. Perhaps I was utterly tired. Perhaps it's cause I was out the whole day in the hot sun. Perhaps I was running around the past few days. Oh! It could be because of "sleepless" nights. "Sleepless" cause I have dreams almost every night. 2 days back, I dreamt that I was hugging my colleague so tightly and crying. Not sobbing but crying. Not tears of joy but tears of sorrow. When I told her, she was "HUH?" *shrug*Anyway...
Today over lunch, my colleagues & myself were discussing why we chose to work in Beyond - a secular organization.
I was most taken aback by one of them - Most FSCs in Singapore are Christians based. I wasn't taken back by the reason (since it wasn't the first time hearing it). I was taken aback by her reaction. It was almost as if her wounds are still raw. She is of another faith and I guess most likely, it's because of the difference in faith that she was rejected. (Which of course, I understand why la..)
To keep our focus, I felt that it is very important to be guided by principles. I don't see how someone from another faith will be able to understand the very reason for the organization to have started from the beginning - God's love. Even though the help given may be the same but the foundation is different. Hmm.. Cannot imagine myself in an organization that's of different faith and I have to join in their devotion.
Hmm... I think, I am going to sleep NOW. 9:32pm.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Liking what I found
I rarely surf blogs who are not my friends. However, I did something unusual 2 months back.
I found Corrine May's through her Christmas CD. I really enjoy reading it. More so, I enjoy the photos with her family. Did not at all give me the feeling that she has her nose up in the air. One word that came to my mind was Humble. A pity I missed her concert on 16th Dec 06. Had a Unit Christmas party. Hmm.. Wondering if she would have it again.
I found Corrine May's through her Christmas CD. I really enjoy reading it. More so, I enjoy the photos with her family. Did not at all give me the feeling that she has her nose up in the air. One word that came to my mind was Humble. A pity I missed her concert on 16th Dec 06. Had a Unit Christmas party. Hmm.. Wondering if she would have it again.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Tough Decision - Edited!
Disobeying God is always most tempting when your comfort zone is not compromised. However, promises of God flows through & through when a decision to obey God precedes over disobedience.
A few practical ways I did to help me in making a Godly decision:
1) Pray & Fast
I set aside time to pray and fasted a meal a day and I asked God specifically to give me a word by Wed (today).
When I heard nothing on Mon & Tues, I panicked! I really wanted to give up. I wanted to just any-O-how make a decision. Yet, deep within, I knew I will not be satisfied till I am convicted by God.
God's perfect timing. He spoke this morning during my QT.
2) Reading the Word of God
You know, when both decisions does not dishonor God, it IS the hardest decision to make.
I found myself searching endlessly for answers.
When I am not searching for answers, I will recite my past memory verses. Best verse of the year - Jeremiah 29:11.
God's perfect timing. He spoke just now during CG.
3) Read relevant Christian books
Books may not pour forth answers like "Thou shalt xxx" or "Thou shalt not xxx".
However, Christian books bring about experiences from the author.
4) Confirmation from leaders
Cannot emphasize the importance of the leaders in my life. Anointing flows from the top indeed. When my decision was confirmed by my CL, I knew I am on the right track.
3 basic steps. No.. 4 step. Basically, the only steps I know how.
Indeed, temptation is real. It is so real that it can sometimes be the compromising factor in our life. I found myself stuck in a situation. A decision is all it takes to unstuck me. Yet, when this decision does not dishonor God, it is so hard to make.
However, one thing I learnt this time is the importance of the peace of God. Therefore, even though the end goals of both decision may not necessary dishonor God, obeying God does glorify Him.
A few practical ways I did to help me in making a Godly decision:
1) Pray & Fast
I set aside time to pray and fasted a meal a day and I asked God specifically to give me a word by Wed (today).
When I heard nothing on Mon & Tues, I panicked! I really wanted to give up. I wanted to just any-O-how make a decision. Yet, deep within, I knew I will not be satisfied till I am convicted by God.
God's perfect timing. He spoke this morning during my QT.
2) Reading the Word of God
You know, when both decisions does not dishonor God, it IS the hardest decision to make.
I found myself searching endlessly for answers.
When I am not searching for answers, I will recite my past memory verses. Best verse of the year - Jeremiah 29:11.
God's perfect timing. He spoke just now during CG.
3) Read relevant Christian books
Books may not pour forth answers like "Thou shalt xxx" or "Thou shalt not xxx".
However, Christian books bring about experiences from the author.
4) Confirmation from leaders
Cannot emphasize the importance of the leaders in my life. Anointing flows from the top indeed. When my decision was confirmed by my CL, I knew I am on the right track.
3 basic steps. No.. 4 step. Basically, the only steps I know how.
Indeed, temptation is real. It is so real that it can sometimes be the compromising factor in our life. I found myself stuck in a situation. A decision is all it takes to unstuck me. Yet, when this decision does not dishonor God, it is so hard to make.
However, one thing I learnt this time is the importance of the peace of God. Therefore, even though the end goals of both decision may not necessary dishonor God, obeying God does glorify Him.
Monday, February 05, 2007
A chat
On Saturday, I learned a little more about my family background. My grandfather's from China. My grandmother's from Singapore. My grandfather works in Malaysia with my eldest uncle during my mother's growing up days. My grandmother works in a rubber factory. In total, my grandparents have 9 children, mummy inclusive. Whenever my grandfather remit money home, my mummy will go with my 4th aunt to get the money. In times when the remittance is late, my poor mummy and 4th aunt have to walk home. Mummy also said that my grandfather dotes on my 6th aunt alot so they are also relatively close. I asked mummy if she remembers she was ever jealous of her siblings. She told me that in those times, they were so poor to really bother about seeking attention. They will share one pineapple amongst 10 of them. That's their luxury already. Most times, they have to think and consider about their livelihood.
Then I shared with her about the story of my good friend whose family was so poor that 5 of them had to share a pack of noodles for dinner. When my friend told me, my heart broke cause this friend means so much to me. At the same time, I shared with her the type of low income families I am working with now.
I like my mummy's remark. She said "Ooh.. it's really a different story living poorly in Singapore now where everyone around you is rich. In my times, there is no such thing as peer pressure."
It was a perfect Sat. I chatted with mummy, played with doggies, bathed for one of them and fellowshipped with 2 friends from church over dinner and coffee (chocolate for me).
Come Sunday, come decision making which I shan't not further elaborate. After auditorium cleaning, came straight home to rest and rest did I have.
Then I shared with her about the story of my good friend whose family was so poor that 5 of them had to share a pack of noodles for dinner. When my friend told me, my heart broke cause this friend means so much to me. At the same time, I shared with her the type of low income families I am working with now.
I like my mummy's remark. She said "Ooh.. it's really a different story living poorly in Singapore now where everyone around you is rich. In my times, there is no such thing as peer pressure."
It was a perfect Sat. I chatted with mummy, played with doggies, bathed for one of them and fellowshipped with 2 friends from church over dinner and coffee (chocolate for me).
Come Sunday, come decision making which I shan't not further elaborate. After auditorium cleaning, came straight home to rest and rest did I have.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Compassion Fund
"The Compassion Fund is a crisis response fund set up for needy students from low-income families in crisis as a result of the death of a breadwinner, a sudden illness or accident in the family. It aims to give early and timely assistance to PREVENT the students’ families from spiralling into poverty or developing other chronic family problems. It provides immediate assistance at the point of need to allow the family, time during the interim, to develop longer term solutions. It is the intent of the Compassion Fund to complement and not replace existing assistance schemes.
The Compassion Fund is also about "Students helping Students", about "Schools helping Schools". Whatever a school raises will be available for use to help their own students in crisis. If in that year, a school does not require the funds, the money will be channelled to other schools where the need is greater. Besides the pride of altruistic giving by their students and the school as a whole, the Fund will ensure that their students in crisis will get the help they need, even if the need is more than the funds the schools had collected."
It's wordy but yes, it's a fund set up by MILK - Mainly I Love Kids especially for students with families who meet with a crisis to prevent them from falling into poverty.
We are looking for schools who are interested in taking the donation tins urgently. Any teachers/principals/school worker interested can drop me a msg here?
The Compassion Fund is also about "Students helping Students", about "Schools helping Schools". Whatever a school raises will be available for use to help their own students in crisis. If in that year, a school does not require the funds, the money will be channelled to other schools where the need is greater. Besides the pride of altruistic giving by their students and the school as a whole, the Fund will ensure that their students in crisis will get the help they need, even if the need is more than the funds the schools had collected."
It's wordy but yes, it's a fund set up by MILK - Mainly I Love Kids especially for students with families who meet with a crisis to prevent them from falling into poverty.
We are looking for schools who are interested in taking the donation tins urgently. Any teachers/principals/school worker interested can drop me a msg here?
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Resources
I am yet again reminded humbly yesterday that my presence on earth is to help to bring Hope to the many out there.
In the Unit meeting yesterday, we focused on Haggai chapter 1 - 2:9. It's about exiles returning to Babylon to rebuild the temple. However, after 15 years, they still had not completed it. Instead, they began to build their own beautiful houses.
Verse 4 hit me most saying "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"
At work, at home, with friends, with colleagues, with people in general, there are pressures, demands and expectations from all over the place. By the time one task is done, almost immediately, another is up. Question then is: Have I worked out my priorities in the midst of the busy nature?
Why the verse hit me hard is because time management and setting priorities in life is sometimes the greatest art of life (I feel). Many times often, we are "obligated" to do things and by being obligated, we tend to lose our focus and thus, our resources.
I found myself asking "Have I been using my talents well? Have I been chanelling my resources in the right way? Where has all my strength gone to?"
Remembering also what Tricia shared in her testimony. She clearly said that in her missions trip, she was totally awed by the presence of the Holy Spirit when she saw how the hill tribes prayed. They REALLY REALLY REALLY prayed. And it just hit me that I seemed to have lost that essence of really praying. Is it because I am not in lack thus I do not pray hard? (i.e. Complacency) Then, God brought me back to one of my very poor client. She was one of the receipients from the Boys' Brigade for an item in the house. That item, to me, was cheap. To them, was a GREAT prayer answered. I remembered what she said excitedly "我祈祷了很久了！"
I don't know... But one thing I do know is that I am yet again reminded humbly yesterday that my presence on earth is to help to bring Hope to the many out there. And to do that, to fully utilize my resources and talents that God has given me.
In the Unit meeting yesterday, we focused on Haggai chapter 1 - 2:9. It's about exiles returning to Babylon to rebuild the temple. However, after 15 years, they still had not completed it. Instead, they began to build their own beautiful houses.
Verse 4 hit me most saying "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"
At work, at home, with friends, with colleagues, with people in general, there are pressures, demands and expectations from all over the place. By the time one task is done, almost immediately, another is up. Question then is: Have I worked out my priorities in the midst of the busy nature?
Why the verse hit me hard is because time management and setting priorities in life is sometimes the greatest art of life (I feel). Many times often, we are "obligated" to do things and by being obligated, we tend to lose our focus and thus, our resources.
I found myself asking "Have I been using my talents well? Have I been chanelling my resources in the right way? Where has all my strength gone to?"
Remembering also what Tricia shared in her testimony. She clearly said that in her missions trip, she was totally awed by the presence of the Holy Spirit when she saw how the hill tribes prayed. They REALLY REALLY REALLY prayed. And it just hit me that I seemed to have lost that essence of really praying. Is it because I am not in lack thus I do not pray hard? (i.e. Complacency) Then, God brought me back to one of my very poor client. She was one of the receipients from the Boys' Brigade for an item in the house. That item, to me, was cheap. To them, was a GREAT prayer answered. I remembered what she said excitedly "我祈祷了很久了！"
I don't know... But one thing I do know is that I am yet again reminded humbly yesterday that my presence on earth is to help to bring Hope to the many out there. And to do that, to fully utilize my resources and talents that God has given me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)