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For I am fearfully and wonderfully created
Thursday, October 27, 2011

Was thinking of art and craft for piggy banks for my student care project when I had a flashback memory during my homeschool years. In that vague flashback, I saw one piggy bank, painted with an array of water colours. And there’s another one, a hippo, beautifully painted a mix of dirty green, irregular strokes of yellow and brown distorting it.

Beautiful? It sounds more like ugly than it would be considered pleasing to the eye. But I remembered it as beautiful, because my mom told me so.

You see, these piggy/hippo banks were small merchandises my mom was helping to sell, and she brought them home for us to see. They came in various animals, made of plaster and there was a set of water colours in red blue and yellow to decorate them with. We being kids, excitedly wanted to give it a try, and my mom gave(bought) us two.

The water colours however weren’t of pretty good quality, expected much eh, and while trying to paint my first hippo, I used too much water and the colours started to run. The more I tried to salvage it, the worse it got. The combination of the three colours formed a brown mix that ran lines down the side patches of colours. I got panicky and flustered at the failure it was becoming. I turned to my mom, with this morose look, unsure of what I was to do with myself. (You know the way we relate our works with who we are)

In my mom face, I saw this spark twinkle in her eyes. With a comforting smile in her face, she excitedly took up my hippo and a paintbrush and started doing her thing. Well, in my opinion back then, I thought she was kinda making it look worse HAHA. After giving it a final touch up, she held the hippo high up and exclaimed how pretty it was. Well I genuinely thought it still look dam ugly, like a yellow hippo that lived in a sewage pipe.

But with the sincerity in her eyes, and the feel of her unpretentious words, somehow the acceptance flowed in, and it didn’t matter if it looked like some art failure, it was her child, and just as it is, anything was beautiful already. And it’s funny how I got suddenly reminded by little things these days, brings a tear to my eyes.

But something else came to mind too, for all who have troubled relationships with their parents, or that your parent have being the ones to have hurt your esteem. For all those people out there, there’s still someone who loves you the way you are, for who you are. No matter the mistakes, no matter how broken, no matter how screwed up a mess you may be, He still watches over you with the same unchanging love every day. God loves His children, beautifully, wonderfully, and purposefully made.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalms 139:14
We are precious and lovely because He made us, and not what we’ve made of ourselves.

God bless you with this song.

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One man's luxury is another man's miracle
Monday, October 24, 2011

My first home visit today. Tagged along with one of the social worker. Quite simple for starters, much like what we do in Counseling module, just that it no longer is a mock case. It calls for real time tact, responsibility and a whole set of problems that diversifies reality.

Similarly, it's also saddening to see the struggles of Singaporeans hidden behind the acclamations of a prosperity. There the marginalized struggle to make ends meet. Just bought a new iPhone for $550+ bucks? That's equivalent to the arrears they're trying to pay off, before the the 31th day adds another load on their 4 digits bank accounts. What we can afford for luxury is a miracle enough to pay off the debt of another, which only brings takes them out enough of deficit.

Cherish your things. Many of us are blessed to live comfortably, and sometimes with extra bonuses. But in your comfort, don't forget the needy, the poor and the homeless out there. They exists in great numbers, just merely unknown, and unseen to the selfish eyes.

Be thankful you are blessed, go bless someone else too.

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Deaf Mission Conference
Sunday, October 23, 2011

Back from the deaf conference in Phil. It's such a great experience that words cant fully capture the things I've learnt and felt. It's a different thing altogether, uniquely only to the people present. Been to really random conferences now heh, deaf missions, homeschool.

The overall highlight would be actually seeing firsthand a deaf community, and an international one at that. Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, America, (all that I can remember for now). Yet even with different backgrounds, cultures, and languages, it was pretty amazing to see how everyone could be gathered together in communion, reaching out to one another, bridged by a combination of common gestures and and body expressions.

At the same time, the participants of the conference comprised of quite a bunch of people in the deaf ministry, ranging from pastors, reverends and many other people. But on the other hand, everyone felt on the same status, that wasn't much of segregation on levels, everyone interacting as equals. It took me some time to realize me a random nobody was casually signing and joking to another seemingly normal person and that some of them were pastors and so when I asked about their work. The intimacy present regardless of the status we all had made it feel so sweet and family like. Much different from the contemporary churches today. I'm thinking being in missions trains you to build relations, and maybe it's something I gotta prepare for.

And then there's two memories I would love to keep as stories.

One was the stimulation overload of having 5 translations going concurrently in real time. Taiwan speaker (sign) to chinese voice, to english translated, and then back to asl sign, coupled with Japan's signing. Having 3 people on stage while listening to two voices in different language in a small room was certainly one of the coolest sight of interpretation I've ever seen.

Second one's more inspiring. The two Americans was definitely something one couldn't pretend not to see. One of them was both deaf and blind, if you could even imagine the impact of that dual disability. And he is still able to overcome it through reading sign language via his friend being his reflector. With one hand. Amazing much. Finally plucked up the courage to talk to them on the 3rd night. Him holding my hands to read my signs, and then ending our chat with a big hug. One of the best quotes I love from him was, "I can still see God, I can still hear God." Doesn't matter where we are, what sufferings we face, with our eyes fixed on God, anything..., anything is possible.

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Rush Hour
Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Went back to school today. It was noon and the bus stop was packed, about 2.5 busloads of 184's. And the buses weren't coming too frequently either. Annoying as it was, there was this sense of nostalgia. Using a combination of expert tactics, precise estimation of where the bus stops, the right body positioning, spotting tiny gaps in the crowd to squeeze, swiftly outmanoeuvring through them. It's actually quite fun, though not when you're running late already.

It's amazing though, how a single bus stop aptly captures the dog-eat-dog world struggle. One early student is equivalent to another one later. Everyone’s fighting for themselves, the nice ones lose out, friends get separated, people get left behind, and it’s a poignant system to be in.

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Stuck
Sunday, October 16, 2011

Was asked by a few friends how my ministry service went. Wasn't the usual "awesome" reply I would give, but a dampening sigh of disappointment.

Was looking all forward for my chance to interpret again. Prepared the songs quite a few times trying to remember all the lyrics right. Was ready to be able to present my best to them, perhaps hopefully to impact them in a way too.

But no. Happened to take the lift, and for all the luck in the world, it had to get stuck, right where I could hear the music playing out there. Yet being in a lift with 9 other people cramped without the space to move.

And then someone asked the crowd in the lift, what we could learn from this.

The lesson I learnt: Man proposes; God disposes.

Was really upset that I missed my chance for interpreting, been waitin for it for weeks, after having change my schedule slot twice for it. Losing it all at the choice of casually taking the lift which I seldom did.

And the thing I had to learn was, if I may humble myself, no matter what I can make for myself, if God chooses my path otherwise, my efforts would be futile. Prayed that I would be kept humble and for God's purpose. Missing out this chance was like a heartpiercing stab and slap to the face. A painful loss, yet something I know was justly done as well.

Humility is a tough one to learn. A the price of pride is often a costly one. Especially when you invest your heart into making it something you'd be proud of. So invest wisely, where you give your hearts to.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21

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Intern +7
Friday, October 14, 2011

It's one week of intern down, and it's been such a great experience. look forward to each day, meeting my friendly colleagues, hoping to be able to help in any way I can. Heading over to the before-and-after school care to help and spend time with the kids. And they're always greeting me with such energy and excitement.

Had to step out of my comfort zones to do phone calls to recruit participants for the upcoming program. Man, if you know me, you'll know I hate making calls, especially formal calls. Stared at the phone, terrified of touching the headset for a whole hour. Yeap. And finally after watching a demo by my colleague, I had a return call, without any time to prepare. Damn, it was exciting. =)

Quite enjoy the time here, looking forward to what's to come. Been thinking of my FYP and might be going for an old idea of food redistribution. Seems good, though manpower's a concern.

Gonna be interpreting for ministry tomorrow, cant wait =)

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Glimpse of Adulthood
Tuesday, October 11, 2011

It's the second day of intern and it sure does feel different. Though my team is still friendly can casual, still got to be more professional than as together with friends. I'm feeling it'll be pretty soon before I miss school life and the freedom of a student.

Reminds me of a weird cycle we humans have.

When we're young, we cant wait to grow up. When we're old, we try our best to stay young. Similarly, remember the times we hated studying, or even as we did, couldn't really see the point of its necessity. How school was ever so boring and couldn't wait to get over with it. Then came adulthood, when one is almost compelled, without choice, thrown into the commercial world. Where life is determined by one's capabilities, and measured by your output. Little remains of that freedom and once carefree life, a privilege blinded by those with surplus til the moment they lose it.

I miss people. I miss the joy of being in the company of everyone, even if I never talked to them. Somehow, after you're in the place for long enough, part of you settles in that home somewhat.

Many more days to come, more responsibility to take on. So much to learn, and I'm sure I'll find a place there. Time to learn to let go and let be. =)

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Day -1 to Intern
Friday, October 7, 2011

The mood's kinda settling in. It's my final day of the holidays and I'll be starting intern next week. Filled with a lot of nervousness as well as worry as to what the new phase of life would entail. Kinda mellow atmosphere, decided to make use of the day meaningfully. Tidied the house, read a bit, went out to grab lunch, write a few nice things, before left missing the company of everyone in Zero Hour Camp.

Quite nervous in having to take on a professional role, but opposite to the typical carefree and unrestrained nature I often have. The responsibility is also greater, it's no longer just daily interaction with friends, but a service provided towards an organization and its clients.

At the same time, really afraid of losing the bonds made through the Hi Club family. Internships' gonna take up a lot of me time, including the precious Saturdays. By the time I'm home I'll probably be worn out. Knowing my style of not communicating much through msn, there's gonna be little chance of me visiting Hiclub often. With the new friendships made with the year one's all the more I wouldn't want to leave it. It's like this family feel once again that we briefly lost and now I gotta go. Just gonna hope everything falls into place, maybe I'll still get a chance to visit it.

I'll miss Hi club and all the people in it. I'll miss that one big family.

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith
1 Tim 1:6

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Zero Hour
Thursday, October 6, 2011

And they say, "save the best for last"

This camp has been a blast, everything falling into place so perfectly. The best partner, the best group, the best comm. I don't know what else I could ask for aside for the hope that this family feeling and attitude will continue one in Hi club and its generation to come.

As for myself, I've learnt much too.

Reliance.

Partnership has always been a major issue for me. I dread the moments I have to work with a partner such as performance, and other task. I have my own perspectives and depth at the way I do things, and I understandably know the difficulty and frustration I often give my partners due to the way I work. I much enjoyed the moment during Famine Camp when I was the sole facilitator of the group, without the need to worry whether I'm over dominating my partner, or that I'm being insensitive to their needs.

It's quite the same for this camp. My past experience as a GL and the failure I was to my previous partners. However, my first encounter of working together with her somehow gave me a different feel from most of my previous partner, someone who was willing to stand on equal grounds with me.

There's so much I'm thankful to her for. JS if you're reading, this is for you =) I love the way how's you're always so bubbly with a smile, forever laughing and making everyone else laugh as well. For your buay hiao bai -ness and how you need to dig your ears or cut hair because you hear the wrong words half of the time. I really appreciate your straightforwardness, yet with a personal touch. The constant support you given somehow made me feel there was someone I could rely on, something I haven’t felt for a really really long time. Your reliability, depth and your ability taught me how to trust, to let go of the need of having to always be in control. And I love how I actually dare to let you do the things I'd rather do myself to get it well done, and seeing how you do it so perfectly in your own ways too. I'd loved hearing your ideas and thoughts whenever you expressed them, and I wished I sought your counsel more. You make people feel safe, and I able to find comfort behind you. The way you reach out to the campers, being there with and for them, especially for song signing. Seeing them improve under your watch and guidance, your heart in caring for the people around you has touched me. Sorry for the two nights I left you and the group waiting, and sorry for the times I did things without you. Thank you for your full support even when I make mistakes.

Jing Shan, thank you for being my partner and allowing me to experience so much. You make an awesomely good GL and you're the best GL partner I could ever ask for.

And really, to my most awesome group, I don’t know what else to say. From the very first day, how they stuck together, filled with enthusiasm. Looking out for one another with synchronized teamwork in all the activities. A heart that is ready to learn, both for sign language and values. Your determination and perseverance in keeping up with signing. It has been a great joy to watch you all grow and improve so tremendously. And of how you deserved every piece of the final puzzle.

And thank you all for the special effort to write those heartwarming notes. I'm really touched and kinda teared a bit. Thank you for all that appreciation, it really means a lot to me. I'm glad to have been a good GL to the group and being able to pass on my experiences and signings.

I'm happy to be able to share this tender first camp with every one of you, and I hope that you all will find more in the time to come. I'll be watching you all from wherever I am. And here's the Clover's song specially dedicated to Jing Shan firstly, and then to the awesome people of Clover.

cause without you here, I'm the loser of the year

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