Heavenly Father, we come before You today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good", but that is exactly what we have done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We confess that.
We have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it pluralism.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery,
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare,
We have killed our unborn and called it choice,
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable,
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem,
We have abused power and called it politics,
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition,
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression,
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent to direct us to the center of Your will and to openly ask these things in the name of Your Son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen!
(Opening prayer at a session of the Kansas House of Representatives delivered by Rev Joe Wright in 1996)
Friday, August 28, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Eating Nyonya Food To Help The Care Home
Yesterday morning, I drove to Seri Kenangan Home to pick Uncle Seelan who had not been able to attend the church service at Calvary Life Assembly two earlier Sundays due to his back pain and last Sunday because of no driver. When he appeared, he was holding something blue wrapped in a white plastic bag. At first I thought it was an adult diaper that he was going to throw away before we left. When we got into my car, he took out the thing to put onto his face.
It was a mask!
I giggled and said to him, "Uncle Seelan, you look cute! But now there are only two of us in the car with open windows. You can wear it when we arrive at church.
"We were ordered by the office to wear a mask whenever we go out from the home."
"It's very careful of them to impose this to you since the elderly are vulnerable to the H1N1 virus..." I especially appreciated the fact that Uncle Seelan was obeying strictly the rule to reduce the risk of contracting the flu and infecting some other two hundred inmates of the home.
After I dropped Uncle Seelan at the main entrance of Calvary Life Assembly (CLA), I took some vouchers from Irwin at the canteen. Many Calvarites had purchased the whole coupon which included all the three Sundays' meals to get a RM2 discount. I was one of others who bought individual vouchers for desired items on the day itself.
While I was standing at the back of the sanctuary, the ushers' leader asked me if I could help to to pass an offering bag later. This time, I was wearing a cap blouse and jeans. My attire was OK as a salesperson of food vouchers but again was too casual for someone who would walk around the seats to collect the offerings. Since the leader did not mind, I accepted the new task.
After the service, I was requested to take a few pictures of the food stall helpers before the congregation flocked to the canteen.
Yesterday, the lunch special was Nyonya food from "Makko", one of the most famous restaurants in Melaka. White rice with ponteh chicken and vermicelli were prepacked in rectangle plastic containers. Pickles were put separately in small round ones.
Before the congregation flocked to the canteen, I had exchanged my food with the RM5 voucher and eat it while looking after the mineral water stall with Irwin.
The elderly had the priority to be served early.
When my rice was half finished, then only I noticed cincaluk (fermented shrimps) and sambal (chili condiment) with cut limes were available on the tables for us to add onto our rice.
The other best-seller yesterday was cendol which cost RM3, a popular dessert which would not quench the thirst but offered some coolness under the hot weather.
As shaved ice melted very fast, it could only be prepared on the spot.
After red beans, green starch noodles were placed at the bottom of a bowl and filled with shaved ice to form a mountain, coconut milk and gula Melaka (palm sugar) were drizzled over it.
Everybody who tasted this "Makko" cendol which had won a food award gave compliment to it. As I was going to a meeting at Pamela's house later where desserts would be served, I decided not to buy it. Even when Ps Les jokingly shouted, "Cholesterol free, sugar free, H1N1 free cendol, buy one free one!" I was able to resist the temptation.
I looked at Uncle Seelan who was sitting on a bench with his mask while waiting for Ps Angeline's family to finish their meals and send him back to the home. He was not interested in Nyonya dishes, so the canteen gave him free sandwiches instead. I knew he already looked forward to the South Indian special next Sunday.
Me too.
It was a mask!
I giggled and said to him, "Uncle Seelan, you look cute! But now there are only two of us in the car with open windows. You can wear it when we arrive at church.
"We were ordered by the office to wear a mask whenever we go out from the home."
"It's very careful of them to impose this to you since the elderly are vulnerable to the H1N1 virus..." I especially appreciated the fact that Uncle Seelan was obeying strictly the rule to reduce the risk of contracting the flu and infecting some other two hundred inmates of the home.
After I dropped Uncle Seelan at the main entrance of Calvary Life Assembly (CLA), I took some vouchers from Irwin at the canteen. Many Calvarites had purchased the whole coupon which included all the three Sundays' meals to get a RM2 discount. I was one of others who bought individual vouchers for desired items on the day itself.
While I was standing at the back of the sanctuary, the ushers' leader asked me if I could help to to pass an offering bag later. This time, I was wearing a cap blouse and jeans. My attire was OK as a salesperson of food vouchers but again was too casual for someone who would walk around the seats to collect the offerings. Since the leader did not mind, I accepted the new task.
After the service, I was requested to take a few pictures of the food stall helpers before the congregation flocked to the canteen.
Yesterday, the lunch special was Nyonya food from "Makko", one of the most famous restaurants in Melaka. White rice with ponteh chicken and vermicelli were prepacked in rectangle plastic containers. Pickles were put separately in small round ones.
Before the congregation flocked to the canteen, I had exchanged my food with the RM5 voucher and eat it while looking after the mineral water stall with Irwin.
The elderly had the priority to be served early.
When my rice was half finished, then only I noticed cincaluk (fermented shrimps) and sambal (chili condiment) with cut limes were available on the tables for us to add onto our rice.
The other best-seller yesterday was cendol which cost RM3, a popular dessert which would not quench the thirst but offered some coolness under the hot weather.
As shaved ice melted very fast, it could only be prepared on the spot.
After red beans, green starch noodles were placed at the bottom of a bowl and filled with shaved ice to form a mountain, coconut milk and gula Melaka (palm sugar) were drizzled over it.
Everybody who tasted this "Makko" cendol which had won a food award gave compliment to it. As I was going to a meeting at Pamela's house later where desserts would be served, I decided not to buy it. Even when Ps Les jokingly shouted, "Cholesterol free, sugar free, H1N1 free cendol, buy one free one!" I was able to resist the temptation.
I looked at Uncle Seelan who was sitting on a bench with his mask while waiting for Ps Angeline's family to finish their meals and send him back to the home. He was not interested in Nyonya dishes, so the canteen gave him free sandwiches instead. I knew he already looked forward to the South Indian special next Sunday.
Me too.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Learning The Malaysian History Again
This semester, my two hours between 3.30pm and 5.30pm on Thursdays are reserved for Johanan at Agape Care Centre, who needs a one-to-one assistance in his school work.
The past few weeks, I supervised him to do his workbooks in English language and mathematics. With my Chinese educational background, my English level was only slightly higher than this Form One boy who attended national schools and spoke English since small. But his mother Siew Hong was very glad that I was willing to spend time with her son who was easily distracted and thus could not learn much from a tuition class. She even tried to persuade me to spare another afternoon for him and give a real tuition by suggesting a love gift. Wanting to keep my cheerful heart to serve, I simply said no and explained to her my limits and other commitments. This understanding mother took it positively.
Yesterday after Johanan had finished a comprehension exercise, I asked him, "What is the most difficult subject to you? Maybe I can help you."
"History and geography. There are a lot of things to memorize."
"I felt the same when I was in school. Let's study together then!"
I used to get low marks in these two subjects, especially the latter. I never knew how to remember those dates and names. My history teacher who had taught all my elder brothers once even said to me in class, "Your family members are excellent in mathematics, but very weak in history." Before the Junior Unified Examinations at the end of Form Three, she told my class that only one student of hers from the first classes had failed this subject in the past. She further warned all of us, "In case you fail, don't let me see you in the street!"
Because of the fear to face her with a bad result, I studied hard without true understanding and amazingly scored an A2! The following three years of my secondary school, history was of minor importance in my science-stream syllabus. So I did not sit for it during the Senior Unified Examinations.
After so many years, I was sitting at a desk to study the history of my home country again. By reading the paragraphs written in Malay, I was able to narrate how Penang, along with Melaka and Singapore had became part of the Straits Settlements under the British administration in India. When we came across an unknown word, Johanan was in charge of checking its meaning in English with a dictionary.
A boring subject turned out interesting when we studied in partners. It was so far the best session where Johanan showed interest and concentration most.
The past few weeks, I supervised him to do his workbooks in English language and mathematics. With my Chinese educational background, my English level was only slightly higher than this Form One boy who attended national schools and spoke English since small. But his mother Siew Hong was very glad that I was willing to spend time with her son who was easily distracted and thus could not learn much from a tuition class. She even tried to persuade me to spare another afternoon for him and give a real tuition by suggesting a love gift. Wanting to keep my cheerful heart to serve, I simply said no and explained to her my limits and other commitments. This understanding mother took it positively.
Yesterday after Johanan had finished a comprehension exercise, I asked him, "What is the most difficult subject to you? Maybe I can help you."
"History and geography. There are a lot of things to memorize."
"I felt the same when I was in school. Let's study together then!"
I used to get low marks in these two subjects, especially the latter. I never knew how to remember those dates and names. My history teacher who had taught all my elder brothers once even said to me in class, "Your family members are excellent in mathematics, but very weak in history." Before the Junior Unified Examinations at the end of Form Three, she told my class that only one student of hers from the first classes had failed this subject in the past. She further warned all of us, "In case you fail, don't let me see you in the street!"
Because of the fear to face her with a bad result, I studied hard without true understanding and amazingly scored an A2! The following three years of my secondary school, history was of minor importance in my science-stream syllabus. So I did not sit for it during the Senior Unified Examinations.
After so many years, I was sitting at a desk to study the history of my home country again. By reading the paragraphs written in Malay, I was able to narrate how Penang, along with Melaka and Singapore had became part of the Straits Settlements under the British administration in India. When we came across an unknown word, Johanan was in charge of checking its meaning in English with a dictionary.
A boring subject turned out interesting when we studied in partners. It was so far the best session where Johanan showed interest and concentration most.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
In The Midst of The Influenza A Outbreak
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
(Psalms 91 NKJV)
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.”
(Psalms 91 NKJV)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Eating Beef Noodles To Help The Care Home
Yesterday, since it was a hot day and I was not on duty as a befriender, I drove to Calvary Life Assembly (CLA) in baby T-shirt and short pants exceptionally. As I was walking into the main sanctuary and shaking hands with the ushers ten minutes before the worship, Irwne approached me and smilingly handed several coupons to me.
"You need to sell these."
It took me a couple of seconds trying to recall if I had any duty that day. Then I realized that he actually wanted my help with the sale like the previous Sunday when David K had also caught hold of me. I seemed to have gained the reputation of a good salesperson after my participation in the jumble sale last November. I was willing but felt my attire inappropriate.
"But I look as if I'm going to the beach. Is it OK to stand here?"
"You're very natural. You look like a Vietnamese!" That was how Irwne assured me. I understood his teasing and was not offended. The lunch special yesterday was Vietnamese beef noodles and our sisters in Christ from the Vietnamese service were already preparing the food and laying the tables early in the morning.
So, my attempt to discretely sit at a corner was in vain. Instead, I probably became the most noticeable person due to my presence among those on duty in their formal clothes. Ps James walked past me during the worship. I was relieved that he did not say anything to me.
After the service, I took my time at the church library. When I went to the canteen, it was crowded with eaters. Many Calvarites and visitors purposely stayed for lunch there to support the urgent fund-raising for Calvary Care Home. I was walking towards Irwne's table when Ps James passed in front of me with his tray.
After I got my bowl in exchange of the RM5-voucher, I sat opposite Sarma who was already sipping her noodles.
She had added in lime juice and chopped chilies, warning me that they were very hot. I loved spicy food, so I did not hesitate to pour the small red chilies into my bowl. The ingredients were from Tangkak, a town in Johor which was very famous for beef noodles. But ours were cooked by the Vietnamese. Sarma who grew up in Indonesia but had been living in Malaysia for a few years commented that this Vietnamese speciality tasted like Chinese soup noodles. I explained to her that the fish sauce made the main difference of the soup base.
After the CLA Family Day, I had a chance to savour the authentic beef noodles again. I have not been to Vietnam. Eating this delicious dish at a local stall will be one of my motivations to visit the country in future.
David was the main person in charge of the sale of the vouchers. Irene who was fasting was available to help him to distribute mineral water in bottles which cost RM1-voucher each.
Pastor Lee and his team from the Vietnamese ministry who gave us the best food and service
served their last bowl to David who finally had a chance to sit down and enjoy his meal. Their faces were always filled with joy of serving God and people.
About hundred and thirty bowls of beef noodles were sold out yesterday. Next Sunday, Nonya "Makko" special and cendol are waiting for us. Come and join us!
"You need to sell these."
It took me a couple of seconds trying to recall if I had any duty that day. Then I realized that he actually wanted my help with the sale like the previous Sunday when David K had also caught hold of me. I seemed to have gained the reputation of a good salesperson after my participation in the jumble sale last November. I was willing but felt my attire inappropriate.
"But I look as if I'm going to the beach. Is it OK to stand here?"
"You're very natural. You look like a Vietnamese!" That was how Irwne assured me. I understood his teasing and was not offended. The lunch special yesterday was Vietnamese beef noodles and our sisters in Christ from the Vietnamese service were already preparing the food and laying the tables early in the morning.
So, my attempt to discretely sit at a corner was in vain. Instead, I probably became the most noticeable person due to my presence among those on duty in their formal clothes. Ps James walked past me during the worship. I was relieved that he did not say anything to me.
After the service, I took my time at the church library. When I went to the canteen, it was crowded with eaters. Many Calvarites and visitors purposely stayed for lunch there to support the urgent fund-raising for Calvary Care Home. I was walking towards Irwne's table when Ps James passed in front of me with his tray.
After I got my bowl in exchange of the RM5-voucher, I sat opposite Sarma who was already sipping her noodles.
She had added in lime juice and chopped chilies, warning me that they were very hot. I loved spicy food, so I did not hesitate to pour the small red chilies into my bowl. The ingredients were from Tangkak, a town in Johor which was very famous for beef noodles. But ours were cooked by the Vietnamese. Sarma who grew up in Indonesia but had been living in Malaysia for a few years commented that this Vietnamese speciality tasted like Chinese soup noodles. I explained to her that the fish sauce made the main difference of the soup base.
After the CLA Family Day, I had a chance to savour the authentic beef noodles again. I have not been to Vietnam. Eating this delicious dish at a local stall will be one of my motivations to visit the country in future.
David was the main person in charge of the sale of the vouchers. Irene who was fasting was available to help him to distribute mineral water in bottles which cost RM1-voucher each.
Pastor Lee and his team from the Vietnamese ministry who gave us the best food and service
served their last bowl to David who finally had a chance to sit down and enjoy his meal. Their faces were always filled with joy of serving God and people.
About hundred and thirty bowls of beef noodles were sold out yesterday. Next Sunday, Nonya "Makko" special and cendol are waiting for us. Come and join us!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Team Hoyt
Dad, it has been three years since you left me. I wish you were still around to form with me a father-and-daughter team to inspire the world together like Team Hoyt.
(photo courtesy of Team Hoyt website)The good news is that the greater Father-and-Son team has come to abide in me (John 14:23). I wish we had known Them earlier to sing together this song:
My Redeemer Lives
Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
And who told the ocean you can only come this far?
And who showed the moon where to hide till evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?
Chorus:
Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives
Ye-e-eah
The very same God
That spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory
Now I know, my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I-I-I know
My Redeemer
He lives
To take away my shame
And He lives
Forever I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sins
Was the precious life He gave
And now He's alive and
There's an empty
Grave!
And I know
My Redeemer lives
He lives
I know
My Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I-I-I know my Redeemer
I know
My Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
I know, That I know, that I know, that I know, that I know
He lives
My Redeemer lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
He lives
I know, I know
He lives
I spoke with Him this morning!
He lives
The tomb is empty
He lives
He lives! I'm going to tell everybody!!
(by Nicole C. Mullins)
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Tour Of Melaka With Three Dental Clinics
After my first root canal treatment, I waited four months for the second one fixed on 10 August. Unfortunately, I had classes on Monday mornings this semester. So I had to cancel my appointment when the clinic's receptionist telephoned me last Thursday to confirm the date and the new venue. At first, I was told that my next appointment would probably be next year. Two days ago, the lady called me again to ask if I would be available this Wednesday as there was an available time slot. I was very free as well. The only small problem was that I had no idea on the location of the oral surgery specialist's clinic which had recently moved to Durian Tunggal.
Therefore, I left my house this morning before eight to make sure that I would not be late for my appointment at 8.30am. By following the sign board and asking an employee at a petrol station at Durian Tunggal, I easily found the Community Polyclinic. This was the third dental clinic I visited this year after the one in Alor Gajah and the other one in Melaka town.
I did not have to sit too long at the reception before I was called to the room. I would not say that I had joy when lying down on the dentist's chair. But at least I had peace, knowing that God was with me. Since my last experience at the Melaka Hospital, I seized this opportunity to pray for the dentist and his assistants.
First, the endodontist numbed my gums with a substance. Next, he injected a local anaesthetic that completely numbed the teeth, gums, tongue, and skin in that area. He separated the decayed molar from the other teeth with a protection and removed the temporary filling.
A nurse placed big sun glasses on my eyes to avoid water and tooth chips. The dentist also fixed on my mouth a rubber sheet with a hole in the middle to prevent my two rows of teeth from shutting anytime during the treatment. Then he started drilling into the pulp chamber with tools. He also used a beeping machine to detect something at my tooth but I did not know its exact function.
One hour later, the young specialist was still trying to scrap the infected pulp out of the root canals with broach files in different sizes. I was wondering why it took so long when the assistant asked the endodontist if he had found the pulp. Apparently the latter was not able to reach the end of the root canals. So he removed the rubber sheet on my mouth and instructed me to shift to the opposite room to take an X-ray of the molar. Even then I had no chance to close my mouth as something was still stuck inside it.
After studying the image, the endodontist realized that my root canals were slightly curved. Now he knew better how to deal with my tooth. We were back to the original room to continue the painless but visually unpleasant scrapping until he removed all the internal pulp and inserted some materials to the canals temporarily. Then we went to the X-ray room for the second time to check with another dentist if the shaping of the canals was satisfying. I was grateful that he did not show any impatience during the whole procedure. When I asked him by mumbling if everything was OK, he would always explain the current situation to me with his tender voice.
Lastly the dentist placed the temporary filling again. Since Dr Hussain last February, the opening of this tooth of mine had been sealed and unsealed four times! And what a blessing of it to be taken care of by three dentists all over Melaka...
My mouth had been kept wide open for two consecutive hours during the root canal treatment. Even if I had nagged for two hours, I would have closed my mouth sometimes to pause. So it was another record! When I drove away from the polyclinic, it was going to be 11am. The right side of my mouth was still numb. Thank God I had no class after that and could just quietly stay at the office.
The story of my visits to dental clinics has not yet come to an end this year. One more appointment is coming next month...
Therefore, I left my house this morning before eight to make sure that I would not be late for my appointment at 8.30am. By following the sign board and asking an employee at a petrol station at Durian Tunggal, I easily found the Community Polyclinic. This was the third dental clinic I visited this year after the one in Alor Gajah and the other one in Melaka town.
I did not have to sit too long at the reception before I was called to the room. I would not say that I had joy when lying down on the dentist's chair. But at least I had peace, knowing that God was with me. Since my last experience at the Melaka Hospital, I seized this opportunity to pray for the dentist and his assistants.
First, the endodontist numbed my gums with a substance. Next, he injected a local anaesthetic that completely numbed the teeth, gums, tongue, and skin in that area. He separated the decayed molar from the other teeth with a protection and removed the temporary filling.
A nurse placed big sun glasses on my eyes to avoid water and tooth chips. The dentist also fixed on my mouth a rubber sheet with a hole in the middle to prevent my two rows of teeth from shutting anytime during the treatment. Then he started drilling into the pulp chamber with tools. He also used a beeping machine to detect something at my tooth but I did not know its exact function.
One hour later, the young specialist was still trying to scrap the infected pulp out of the root canals with broach files in different sizes. I was wondering why it took so long when the assistant asked the endodontist if he had found the pulp. Apparently the latter was not able to reach the end of the root canals. So he removed the rubber sheet on my mouth and instructed me to shift to the opposite room to take an X-ray of the molar. Even then I had no chance to close my mouth as something was still stuck inside it.
After studying the image, the endodontist realized that my root canals were slightly curved. Now he knew better how to deal with my tooth. We were back to the original room to continue the painless but visually unpleasant scrapping until he removed all the internal pulp and inserted some materials to the canals temporarily. Then we went to the X-ray room for the second time to check with another dentist if the shaping of the canals was satisfying. I was grateful that he did not show any impatience during the whole procedure. When I asked him by mumbling if everything was OK, he would always explain the current situation to me with his tender voice.
Lastly the dentist placed the temporary filling again. Since Dr Hussain last February, the opening of this tooth of mine had been sealed and unsealed four times! And what a blessing of it to be taken care of by three dentists all over Melaka...
My mouth had been kept wide open for two consecutive hours during the root canal treatment. Even if I had nagged for two hours, I would have closed my mouth sometimes to pause. So it was another record! When I drove away from the polyclinic, it was going to be 11am. The right side of my mouth was still numb. Thank God I had no class after that and could just quietly stay at the office.
The story of my visits to dental clinics has not yet come to an end this year. One more appointment is coming next month...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Breakfast With My AM228 Students
As the Tourism Faculty that I used to serve full time no longer made French a compulsory subject in their syllabus, and the TESL Faculty had no new intake, my workload was going to be critical this semester. After I had talked to the vice director of campus about it, she kindly told my coordinator to deal with other programme coordinators for new "markets". As a result, the Public Administration Faculty agreed to begin offering French to their students this semester.
On the first day of this class, I arrived at the classroom on time. There was nobody inside. New students passed by to the next room where my colleague SB who taught Mandarin must be busy receiving students who kept going in, until all the seats were occupied and that late comers had to borrow chairs from my room! Being aware of the popularity of Mandarin and the market value of Arabic in Malaysia, I was prepared to have much less students. Since God was still keeping me at this working place, I knew He would open doors for me. After a simple prayer to thank God for the day, I just relaxed and read a book while waiting for my "clients".
More than twenty minutes were over when two students finally appeared. Actually they had randomly dropped in and were a bit surprised to find me alone. They asked me if the French language was difficult to learn. I answered that if they attended the classes seriously and regularly, there was no reason they could not perform. I let these two guys decide outside and continued my reading.
After a few minutes, both of them came in again. They were willing to take the challenge. So, I started teaching the introductory lesson as soon as they were seated. Some time later, SB made a sign to me outside. He was sending me a few more students who were interested in learning this European language. Then only I learned that the students had not been informed of French as a new optional foreign language during the briefing earlier.
Thus, the number of my students increased to ten. The following Tuesday, another boy joined in. I was very satisfied with the size of the class, the mixed gender and especially the fact that they were the ones who had made their choice instead of being assigned to be in my class, which was the case with my two other groups.
With these new students of the public administration degree programme, I managed to move them to organize a simple breakfast by telling them what my first batch of TESL students had done and showing them my blog entry about the meal they had wonderfully prepared last semester.
This morning, I brought tea bags, coffee powder, creamer, sugar, a parisienne (a kind of French loaf), a tea pot and my mug. The students were in charge of baguettes, another loaf of bread, butter, jam, mushroom soup in sachets, fruit juice, an electrical kettle and disposable dishes. To avoid the big crowd at the elevators, I always used the staircase. After climbing up to the thirteenth floor with an empty stomach, it was nice to have my favorite breakfast and sit with my students around the table who were initiated to the French culture and the related vocabulary. As they were from different main groups, they also took this occasion to chat with one another.
Our time spent on the food was longer than on the lesson. But they seemed to enjoy the moment together and already looked forward to the next meal together!
Will other groups follow? I will get the answer after the fasting month of Ramadhan.
On the first day of this class, I arrived at the classroom on time. There was nobody inside. New students passed by to the next room where my colleague SB who taught Mandarin must be busy receiving students who kept going in, until all the seats were occupied and that late comers had to borrow chairs from my room! Being aware of the popularity of Mandarin and the market value of Arabic in Malaysia, I was prepared to have much less students. Since God was still keeping me at this working place, I knew He would open doors for me. After a simple prayer to thank God for the day, I just relaxed and read a book while waiting for my "clients".
More than twenty minutes were over when two students finally appeared. Actually they had randomly dropped in and were a bit surprised to find me alone. They asked me if the French language was difficult to learn. I answered that if they attended the classes seriously and regularly, there was no reason they could not perform. I let these two guys decide outside and continued my reading.
After a few minutes, both of them came in again. They were willing to take the challenge. So, I started teaching the introductory lesson as soon as they were seated. Some time later, SB made a sign to me outside. He was sending me a few more students who were interested in learning this European language. Then only I learned that the students had not been informed of French as a new optional foreign language during the briefing earlier.
Thus, the number of my students increased to ten. The following Tuesday, another boy joined in. I was very satisfied with the size of the class, the mixed gender and especially the fact that they were the ones who had made their choice instead of being assigned to be in my class, which was the case with my two other groups.
With these new students of the public administration degree programme, I managed to move them to organize a simple breakfast by telling them what my first batch of TESL students had done and showing them my blog entry about the meal they had wonderfully prepared last semester.
This morning, I brought tea bags, coffee powder, creamer, sugar, a parisienne (a kind of French loaf), a tea pot and my mug. The students were in charge of baguettes, another loaf of bread, butter, jam, mushroom soup in sachets, fruit juice, an electrical kettle and disposable dishes. To avoid the big crowd at the elevators, I always used the staircase. After climbing up to the thirteenth floor with an empty stomach, it was nice to have my favorite breakfast and sit with my students around the table who were initiated to the French culture and the related vocabulary. As they were from different main groups, they also took this occasion to chat with one another.
Our time spent on the food was longer than on the lesson. But they seemed to enjoy the moment together and already looked forward to the next meal together!
Will other groups follow? I will get the answer after the fasting month of Ramadhan.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Seri Kenangan Home
Last year in May, I was first given a task to pick Uncle Seelan to CLA for the English service. Since, I have been driving into Seri Kenangan Home at Cheng
two or three times a month when I stay at Paya Rumput on weekends.
When I attend a course or am on duty as a befriender at Calvary Life Assembly (CLA), I usually turn up at the home between 8.30am and 9.30am and stop in front of the beautiful garden at the entrance after the guard house.
If Uncle Seelan is already sitting on a bench there, I will let him inform the staff that he is going to church with me. If he is not around, I will get down from the car, enter the office
so that a clerk calls him at his bedroom.
Once I arrived at almost 10am since I had nothing special that day. When Uncle Seelan noticed me, he simply waved his hand, asking me to go off. He had just got the permission to go out for tea with other folks as he was not sure if I would come at all. After he had expressed his preference to be at the church early rather than late, I tried to accommodate to him so that he would attend the service when I was available to be his driver.
Through our conversations in the car, I also learned that this old bachelor had no relatives in Melaka and hardly had visitors to take him out for meals. Being a loner myself though, I was not sure if I would like to spend the final part of my life at an old peoples' home.
So a late Wednesday afternoon, I went to the home to bring Uncle Seelan to the weekly night market at my residential area to buy dinner. He came out in a sarong
and walked back to his room to get changed. I was allowed by the staff to go further to the backyard to wait for him. That was the first time I saw from a distance his bedroom hidden behind big trees. A Chinese resident commented that Uncle Seelan was very kind though he did not talk much.
Last Sunday morning, it was a quarter hour left before my class at CLA started at 9. When I reached Seri Kenangan, there was no sign of my usual passenger. While waiting for him, I grumbled in my heart that I would be delayed even more for my class. After ten minutes, the tiny man finally appeared in sarong.
Uncle Seelan told me he could not go with me that day because he had a pain at his back and would not be able to remain seated too long during the church service. This old man in his eighties had knocked on something while trying to be the mediator of two younger fellows who were quarrelling. I suddenly felt sad for not being able to go to church together with him.
He estimated the recovery would take another two weeks before he could resume his attendance to church. Since two other couples who used to fetch Uncle Seelan occasionally no longer attended CLA, he totally depended on me to give him a lift to the house of God. When Uncle Seelan asked me, "Will you come after that?" I realized I had become probably the most regular visitor and the closest church member to him. I held his hands and assured him, "Of course, Uncle Seelan! As long as I am around, I will always come and pick you. Let me pray for you..." His face was shining with smiles when I said good-bye.
That morning, I was half an hour late for my class but I was glad to have learnt another precious lesson with Uncle Seelan. And I thanked God for sending me to bring hope to this blessed child of His at Seri Kenangan Home.
There were many other lonely souls at old peoples' homes who are eager for your love and care. Will you spend a little time with them?
two or three times a month when I stay at Paya Rumput on weekends.
When I attend a course or am on duty as a befriender at Calvary Life Assembly (CLA), I usually turn up at the home between 8.30am and 9.30am and stop in front of the beautiful garden at the entrance after the guard house.
If Uncle Seelan is already sitting on a bench there, I will let him inform the staff that he is going to church with me. If he is not around, I will get down from the car, enter the office
so that a clerk calls him at his bedroom.
Once I arrived at almost 10am since I had nothing special that day. When Uncle Seelan noticed me, he simply waved his hand, asking me to go off. He had just got the permission to go out for tea with other folks as he was not sure if I would come at all. After he had expressed his preference to be at the church early rather than late, I tried to accommodate to him so that he would attend the service when I was available to be his driver.
Through our conversations in the car, I also learned that this old bachelor had no relatives in Melaka and hardly had visitors to take him out for meals. Being a loner myself though, I was not sure if I would like to spend the final part of my life at an old peoples' home.
So a late Wednesday afternoon, I went to the home to bring Uncle Seelan to the weekly night market at my residential area to buy dinner. He came out in a sarong
and walked back to his room to get changed. I was allowed by the staff to go further to the backyard to wait for him. That was the first time I saw from a distance his bedroom hidden behind big trees. A Chinese resident commented that Uncle Seelan was very kind though he did not talk much.
Last Sunday morning, it was a quarter hour left before my class at CLA started at 9. When I reached Seri Kenangan, there was no sign of my usual passenger. While waiting for him, I grumbled in my heart that I would be delayed even more for my class. After ten minutes, the tiny man finally appeared in sarong.
Uncle Seelan told me he could not go with me that day because he had a pain at his back and would not be able to remain seated too long during the church service. This old man in his eighties had knocked on something while trying to be the mediator of two younger fellows who were quarrelling. I suddenly felt sad for not being able to go to church together with him.
He estimated the recovery would take another two weeks before he could resume his attendance to church. Since two other couples who used to fetch Uncle Seelan occasionally no longer attended CLA, he totally depended on me to give him a lift to the house of God. When Uncle Seelan asked me, "Will you come after that?" I realized I had become probably the most regular visitor and the closest church member to him. I held his hands and assured him, "Of course, Uncle Seelan! As long as I am around, I will always come and pick you. Let me pray for you..." His face was shining with smiles when I said good-bye.
That morning, I was half an hour late for my class but I was glad to have learnt another precious lesson with Uncle Seelan. And I thanked God for sending me to bring hope to this blessed child of His at Seri Kenangan Home.
There were many other lonely souls at old peoples' homes who are eager for your love and care. Will you spend a little time with them?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
View From Two Campuses
From Alor Gajah campus,
I look up at the sky,
I see God's work;
From Melaka city campus,
I look down at the ground,
I see man's work.
I look up at the sky,
I see God's work;
From Melaka city campus,
I look down at the ground,
I see man's work.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Lisbon Chamber Choir At Renaissance Hotel Melaka
Early last month, we were informed of a concert of the Lisbon Chamber Choir held at Renaissance Hotel to raise fund for the newly opened Christian Cultural Museum in Melaka. The tickets were priced at RM50, RM70 and RM100 and on sale in churches. Being used to occasional free concerts of international artists at CLA, I hesitated to take out my money to pay for the entrance which I could actually afford.
For weeks, I could not make up my mind. But I kept remembering my comment that Melaka lacked of cultural events. Now when there was one, I was not supportive. The thought of claiming to love Jesus without being willing to give financially to His Kingdom put me into shame. So the last Sunday before the concert, I finally bought a ticket for myself.
On Thursday 30 July morning, I put a dress for the concert inside my car as I did not plan to go home after work. In the afternoon, I met Diana at Agape Care Centre who needed technical help for the preparation of the opening of another centre for the elderly. I was in my working clothes and she in her T-shirt and jeans. She kindly offered me to take a shower at her house but I preferred to stay in town because her house was quite far. Later, SH invited me to have dinner with her and her three children at a nearby food stall. When we finished eating, it was time I left for the hotel. Not having extra time to properly dress up myself, I decided to at least change my clothes at a petrol station toilet within five minutes.
I turned up punctually at the venue and was early enough to pick my own seat among those at the back as my ticket was the cheapest. The concert was scheduled at 7.30pm but was going to start only in half an hour. After a prayer by a priest, an opening speech by the committee chairman
and a piece of music by a local pianist,
about twenty members of the Lisbon Chamber Choir led by the Filipino conductor came on stage.
They performed a cappella or in collaboration with instrument ensembles.
Their songs, ranged from Renaissance to the 21st century, included sacred, contemporary songs and Broadway musicals.
During a short break, I saw Diana who looked elegant in her white attire and other familiar faces from CLA and my MLM class.
When we returned to our seats, the Choir continued to sing in Portuguese, Spanish, German, English and even Mandarin! For the Melaka concert, these young musicians specially performed a Portuguese folk song and a Malay song, which pleased the audience a lot and received in return the standing ovation.
I knew some of the songs. But when they were sung in a cappella, it was a totally new experience to me. I enjoyed the whole live performance that evening and really appreciated the effort of the Melaka Christianity and Culture Research Centre (MCCRC) to bring the world class concert by Christian performers to this historical city.
For weeks, I could not make up my mind. But I kept remembering my comment that Melaka lacked of cultural events. Now when there was one, I was not supportive. The thought of claiming to love Jesus without being willing to give financially to His Kingdom put me into shame. So the last Sunday before the concert, I finally bought a ticket for myself.
On Thursday 30 July morning, I put a dress for the concert inside my car as I did not plan to go home after work. In the afternoon, I met Diana at Agape Care Centre who needed technical help for the preparation of the opening of another centre for the elderly. I was in my working clothes and she in her T-shirt and jeans. She kindly offered me to take a shower at her house but I preferred to stay in town because her house was quite far. Later, SH invited me to have dinner with her and her three children at a nearby food stall. When we finished eating, it was time I left for the hotel. Not having extra time to properly dress up myself, I decided to at least change my clothes at a petrol station toilet within five minutes.
I turned up punctually at the venue and was early enough to pick my own seat among those at the back as my ticket was the cheapest. The concert was scheduled at 7.30pm but was going to start only in half an hour. After a prayer by a priest, an opening speech by the committee chairman
and a piece of music by a local pianist,
about twenty members of the Lisbon Chamber Choir led by the Filipino conductor came on stage.
They performed a cappella or in collaboration with instrument ensembles.
Their songs, ranged from Renaissance to the 21st century, included sacred, contemporary songs and Broadway musicals.
During a short break, I saw Diana who looked elegant in her white attire and other familiar faces from CLA and my MLM class.
When we returned to our seats, the Choir continued to sing in Portuguese, Spanish, German, English and even Mandarin! For the Melaka concert, these young musicians specially performed a Portuguese folk song and a Malay song, which pleased the audience a lot and received in return the standing ovation.
I knew some of the songs. But when they were sung in a cappella, it was a totally new experience to me. I enjoyed the whole live performance that evening and really appreciated the effort of the Melaka Christianity and Culture Research Centre (MCCRC) to bring the world class concert by Christian performers to this historical city.
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