Farewell Karaoke Dinner at Dreambox KTV Melaka

At the end of March, I received a call from Kelvin K inviting me to join a farewell karaoke&meal gathering specially organised for Godwin and Irwne who were leaving Melaka to live in Kuala Lumpur.

On the first Thursday of this month, I went to Dreambox KTV at Dataran Pahlawan. Some Calvarites were already singing. When more arrived, we got our buffet dinner from another hall and started eating

in our VIP room.

I was sitting among sisters in Christs who enjoyed the food

as well as singing

The karaoke lovers were in ecstasy as long as they were holding a microphone.

Most of the songs selected were in English so that we all could sing together. Being the youngest among those who were there, I sometimes felt a bit disconnected as I had never heard of many of those oldies. Once awhile, I also joined some Mandarin speaking seniors to sing a well known Chinese oldie. This was a good platform for the songbirds to perform outside the church service.

The stars of that evening were of course Irwne

and Godwin, two siblings of different personalities who had been faithfully served at Calvary Life Assembly.

After much prayer, they had found a place in the same condominium with their sister who would be able look after them easily in Kuala Lumpur.

We are going to miss these two friendly brothers in Christ.

Felix's 70th Birthday Celebration

On the last Thursday of February, Emmy called me to invite me to their house the next evening as it was going to be Felix's birthday. As I would need to attend a leaders' meeting in church at the same time, I just said I would try to make it. Before I hung up, she reminded me, "No present, please!"

At first I was hesitating between the two appointments. But I began to consider the fact that the 70-year-old birthday celebration would take place only once a life time whereas the meeting was held every month, and that I could always find out from others what had been taught or discussed. Finally on 25th evening after work, I decided to drive to Klebang instead of Ayer Keroh.

Julia was also back from Kuala Lumpur with her parents. As usual, this vivacious girl's presence could never be unnoticed.

I was wondering why she started to cry when she sat at the dining table. Then I learnt that she had accidentally dropped the GPS, a gift which her parents had bought for her grandfather, onto the ground before they came. Even though it was not spoilt at all, the sight of it was enough to make her feel guilty again.

Felix was happier to read the simple word "Chichi" (Grandfather in Spanish)

and to receive the handmade card

from his granddaughter.

That evening, Emmy was not feeling well and stayed in the room. So after the dinner together with other guests, Julia was the one sitting next to Felix

to blow

and remove the candles

together.

The cheese cake was from a bakery and was not as popular as the flan of which all of us had a share. Every time when I went to their house for an important meal gathering, I would have the chance to taste this Emmy's signature dessert.

Later, I went upstairs to chat with Emmy. She was very glad to see the pictures I had taken. So was Felix who joined us later. I believe that this was the best present I had offered to the couple.

Projek Harap Melaka Team February Gathering

This month of February, there is no MLM class at all in Melaka because of the Chinese New Year and the public holiday. Nevertheless, Ps Richard and Piek See came to Melaka to meet the Projek Harap team at Mr and Mrs Ee's house this Tuesday.

Living near their residential area, I was the first guest to arrive. Since we were still in the festive season, I wore a red T-shirt and brought some mandarins. I thought I could give a hand in the kitchen. When I stepped into the dining room, the high tea was ready! Mrs Ee's neighbour had helped her to prepare most of the food. Laying on the table were fried mee siam, two types of nyonya kuih, taufu fa, etc.

I was very amazed that even the taufu fa was homemade. Mrs Ee scooped some into a bowl to let me taste.

The texture was so soft and smooth that the custard just melted in my mouth the moment I sipped it! As I was going to fill my stomach with other mouth watering dishes, I controlled myself to have the second serving only three hours later.

Ps Richard and Piek See arrived from Kluang a bit later. When they were urged by our hospitable hosts to serve the abundant foods, Piek See said, "We've been eating since 1pm. I think I need to change into pyjama. Otherwise my button is going to pop out!" She was very interested to shave ice for the cendol with the machine, which was actually a juicer with the ice-grating spare part.

We poured red beans, green worm-like jelly, coconut milk and gula Melaka onto the shaved ice. Was the DIY cendol nice? The answer was written on Ps Richard's face.

We began our "feast" before the meeting as Dr Wong would only come at about 5.30pm after his work. Bro BB had to leave early. Jonathan and Joel who were also dressed like angpao like me did not eat much because they were going to a dinner gathering later with their cell group members.

Probably due to the effect of tapai accompanied by ice-cream, our mood was high to talk about and laugh at "entertaining" topics. The serious meeting finally started after five o'clock. Piek See updated us on the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) of Projek Harap. Mrs Ee is not only a wonderful host and cook in her house, but also a great helper and purchaser for Harap Learning Centre.

Dr Wong who is the coordinator of Harap Learning Centre Bukit Baru has been very busy preparing for his exam in addition to his daily work at the clinic. Despite his tight schedule, he continues to care for needy people around him. He shared with us encouraging news about Sajar who had brought his family members and other children from the neighbourhood to visit him during the Chinese New Year.

Jonathan and Joel will play an important role of collecting quantitative data from the families of the children who attend the centre.

Mr Ee is the BM translator for documents. Ps Richard reminded us to focus on our primary objective, ie to give pre-school education to children between 3-6 years old, but partner with people who reach out to other ranks.

I will continue to do odd jobs where necessary with my gift of help.

Chinese New Year IV: Movie "Great Day"

With God, every day is a great day and every year is a great year!

Chinese New Year III: Japanese Lunch

When Japanese food was in front of me,

I almost forgot

I was celebrating Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year II: Lion Dance

I brought mandarins to visit Yean Tian. One hour later, the mandarins became part of a show of

lion dance by her nephew and niece.

Chinese New Year I: Fried Rice With Fresh Vegetables

After a heavy reunion lunch and two following meals with leftover meaty dishes, the best thing to hear was when my good friend offered

to cook for me

fried rice with fresh vegetables.

My Birthday VI: Another Pizza Treat

My yam cha partner, thanks for your pizza treat at US Pizza yesterday as my belated birthday celebration. The pizza and side dishes were as yummy as the ones I had tasted at Pizza Hut with my CCH gang last month.

Let's increase in exercise and reduce the intake of fattening food... Do you think we'll have the determination?

Malim-Cheng Cell Fellowship At Newton Foodcourt

During the first Sunday service this year, Ps James announced to the congregation the new monthly church programme. The cell meetings are held on the first two Friday evenings of each month instead of almost every Friday previously.

My Malim-Cheng cell leader Jeremiah's family wanted to start the year by hosting a pot bless as suggested by Ps James. Due to a piping problem which occurred in their house, they were not going to have water supply for a few days. As a result, we had a food gathering at Newton foodcourt at Bandar Hilir last Friday at 8pm.

In 2008, I was a member of the Young Adults cell in the beginning. For some reasons, especially my reluctance to drive alone to unfamiliar areas at night, I transferred to Cheng home cell which was later merged with Malim cell. Since, I got to know other old-timer Calvarites who lived at Malim.

My attendance to cell meetings, especially during the second half of last year, was so poor that Auntie Sally could not recognize me immediately and was wondering who I was when I arrived at their table at about 8.10pm.

I had not seen Sis Cassy for a very long time. She was attending another church. Besides my job, she was very interested to know when I was going to get married, a typical question that the married people like to ask the singles.

I answered, "I'm happy to be single. If God sends me someone, I'll be a happy married person."

Phebe commented, "You'll be happier."

I replied, "Not necessarily happier, but happy in a different way."

She nodded her head. Sis Cassy added, "True, not necessarily happier. You'll have more problems when you are married." She was sitting next to her husband Bro Steven who was savouring one dish after another. I simply concluded that where there are people, there are conflicts.

Auntie Sally, who had come with her daughter, son-in-law and grandson, also participated in our "forum". "Don't rush to get married! If you can't find a good one, it's better to stay single. After all, you're independent." I wished Mum had also told me the same thing when I telephoned her on my birthday last December to remind her that I was one year older.

"Yes! Auntie Sally. It's wiser to open my eyes big big to observe now than to open my mouth big big to nag after the marriage." I was citing my own statement I had once left on Facebook after hearing a colleague's marital problem.

Patricia smiled with a consent, while the men remained silent and preferred to open their mouths only to swallow the delicious food.

Our youngest single cell member Jaden also completely ignored the adults' boring conversations. The only concern this five-year-old boy had there and then was the big bowl of his favorite fish porridge.

My presence brought out another topic which was about Calvary Care Home (CCH). Uncle Kok who used to be a CCH committee member in the past recalled how thin Isaac and Joseph were when they were small. He emphasised that at the age of 77, he was already old. I mentioned Uncle Seelan who had reached 85 this year to assure Uncle Kok that he was still young.

That evening, I was not keen to taste the specialities there because my stomach was still very full with a piece of David's birthday chocolate cake and some dhal curry I had eaten at CCH just before I went to the foodcourt. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the gathering very much. On my way home, I had a chance to chat with Sis Alice to whom I gave a lift.

In this year of increase, let's increase our fellowship!

Thanksgiving Dinner At Emmy And Felix's House

Last Thursday, I was invited to Emmy and Felix's house for the Thanksgiving dinner, a very important annual event to this Cuban couple besides Christmas.

When I arrived at 7.15pm, Emmy told me, "Julia didn't know that you spoke French. After I told her that you're going to test her this evening, you've become her enemy!" She was refering to her granddaughter who was studying in a French international school in Kuala Lumpur.

After awhile, Julia in a lovely dress like a princess appeared from upstairs. As usual, this five-year-old little girl could not stand still. Were there any audition for a western version of "Journey To The West" drama, I would strongly recommend her to play the leading role...

It was not easy for me to persuade her to sit beside me even a minute to pose together for a picture. Nevertheless, I succeeded.

She finally settled down when a guest let her play with her iphone. When I saw her holding the shoulder of another guest's toddler son, I remembered the evening when David was around.

I was not familiar at all with Thanksgiving Day, which is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in North America. Having lived in the United States for many years, Emmy and Felix still keep this tradition of holding a special gathering with family and friends on the fourth Thursday in November.

At 8.30pm, Emmy was still in the kitchen with the maids! I wanted to take a picture of her with the turkey, a must main dish, which had cost them RM150. But she said, "No, no! I haven't taken a shower." At 9.30pm when we were finally called to the dining tables, the big bird was already cut into pieces and slices.

The grand meal consisted of many home dishes.

When I saw the variety of dishes, I understood why our host had to get up as early as seven o'clock to start the preparations. And when I tasted the meat, mashed potatoes, gratin and salad, I told myself that it had been worth waiting two hours in the living room with appetizers.

Three different desserts and ice-cream were awaiting us after the salty food. This time, I was very moderate to just take the flan, one of Emmy's most popular specialities.

According to Emmy, I was the only friend of theirs being present there. The other guests were actually their son's friends whom they had known for years. I stayed until midnight to continue to chat with the hosts and some of the guests. I thank God for this couple's friendship, hospitality, and most of all His every blessing to me.