My Pride and Joy

Photo like this makes it all worthwhile!
With the years coming by so quickly, and the parenting window growing narrower, I am grateful for moments like this.

2012 in Review (Apr - Jun)

Cell group retreat at Selesa Hills. One thing we enjoy about the cell group is the fellowship of going out together for trips such as this. One thing I appreciate about the cell group leader and the assistant is that they are the "outdoor" type and very capable in planning for excursions (something which I did not manage to do very much when I was leading the group).

The major highlight in Q2 of 2012 is our two week trip to Nepal where I was invited to speak at the first-ever Creation Conference - organized by two young men who attended the All-Asian Creation Conference in Malaysia (November, 2011). We were truly blessed by the fellowship of the church there and it was definitely an eye-opening experience for my two daughters as they experience a different culture and lifestyle in Nepal.

In June, Eliza and Eunice attended their first Debate/Speaking camp in Singapore led by the Ethos group from the US. We are encouraged by the strength of the homeschooling network in Singapore and the depth of training provided by the camp. Though lots of sweat and toil went into the activities but it was a lot of learning fun!

While in Singapore, had a walk down memory lane (Prinsep Street, to be exact) visiting Prof.Salmon where I used to stay as a bachelor upon graduating from NUS. My, the landscape has really changed! Am thankful for God's providence during my 11 years of stay in Singapore (including the providence of a life partner!).

Where The Mockingbird Sings

Just finished the bird cage prop for Eunice home-made drama production called "Where Mockingbird Sings". I am so encouraged by her talent of being able to create the script from scratch and then to pool together the acting resources from the cell group kids.

2012 in Review (Jan - Mar)

Chinese New Year is usually the big highlight at the start of any year! Amidst the eating and reveling, I sometimes wonder how much of a connection do I make with my family members? Each year comes and go but what type of relational deposits do I make before the next year comes along? In particular, my grandmother is already in her 80s - what sort of memories is she developing? How can I contribute to her remaining years? How can the Gospel of Jesus Christ be made real to her?

First educational trip of the year - right in the evening at POS Malaysia's operation in Shah Alam. Wow - we never realize the complicated machines and processes which treats each letter that we send! These type of trips create more than just awareness - we are grateful for those who work tireless behind the scenes so that end users like us can enjoy the convenience of communication.

Eunice had her first stitching experience! While taking a dive during her swimming class, her chin scrapped hard against the pool's edge (we hear later that this is a common occurrence for kids!) and the first attempt was for a clinic doctor to glue the tear but it was too deep. Praise God that a paediatrician was available to attend to her - so, 6 stitches on the inside and another 6 on the outside. Am encouraged that her joyful attitude remain resilient!

First Orang Asli mission day trip visit together as a family with my friend's church. Experiencing the culture of another is like a breath of fresh air as we see the diversity of God's hand at work across the lands.

Conducted my first-ever Youth Camp based on a Creation Apologetics theme in Sarawak. It was so encouraging to hear and answer many of the questions which young people have concerning a Biblical viewpoint of history, science and origins. Click here for more blog postings and details.

Ended the Q1 of 2012 with a trip to Shanghai (primarily for business) but stayed on a few days to meet up with old friends from Singapore who are now residing in China. How the years have passed (and our children have grown!). Life is peppered with joyful reunions - how glorious it would be when we all gather in that one grand reunion in that coming Heavenly City. Come, Lord Jesus, Maranatha!

Part 2 of the Climb!

Woke up at 12.35am today all excited about the final ascent. The drizzle and strong winds really made the climb challenging until I wasn't even aware when I reached the peak because it was just so dark and wet. If it wasn't for the guide from Tommu - a 22 yr old Japanese tourist, I may have struggled even more.
Reach the highest peak of Mount Kinabalu - called Low's Peak (4,095m) at 5.30am. Could not witness the sun rise due to cloudy & wet weather but the clear scenery which follows was worth it. There is a sense of majestic at the peak - no wonder Psalms 121 begins with "I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? It comes from the Lord!" Amen.

Part 1 of the Climb up Mount Kinabalu

Whew! Climbing up for a total distance of 6km was certainly more strenuous than I thought! With no road access, everything has to carried up via the porters - amazing strength! We were charged RM8 per kg for our stuff they carry.
The prior practices at Gasing Hill was really helpful except that this 10X harder!
Am grateful to How Sing - my group leader & pacer - without him in front, I would not have had the motivation to complete today's climb in 3 hours & 45 mins.

Happy Feet at Poring Hotsprings

It was a good warm-up at the Poring Hot Springs hill and canopy walk as we loosen up to the big day tomorrow. The dip at the hot springs pool was heavenly! Blessed are those whose feet are happy! Today Porings, tomorrow Mount Kinabalu!

Arrival Breakfast in KK

Famous Yee Fung Ngau Chap in Kota Kinabalu - a solid fueling before the Mount Kinabalu climb tomorrow!

Singapore Trip in June (Nostalgia & New Friends)

This is where I used to stay upon graduation from NUS. Here in Prinsep Street, the place where I stay used to be a private hospital! Prof Salmon and her helper, Mui Yee is still as cheerful as ever - though now visibly weaker physically. Walking through the halls of the building really triggered memories of my single days!

Speaking about nostalgia, we had a chance to catch up with Desmond and Eudora - our old pals from Covenant EFC. Met their son, Yannis for the first time! God willing, we hope to visit them in Sydney next year.

Part of the reason why we went down to Singapore was to participate in the Ethos Speakers/Debate camp. Here's Eunice together with the rest of the young speakers.

Here's Eliza's group - which focuses on debate. Stressful and yet engaging and definitely a learning experience!

Of course, we are grateful for my brother and sister in law who graciously host us during our stay in Singapore. While Eunice had serious work to do at the Ethos camp during the day time, when evening comes - it is "Avengers Assemble"!

A Fun Walk @Bukit Gasing (8 July)

This is the Fantastic Four team that successfully scaled Bukit Gasing for the first time. Note the super-hero on the right as he tries to inflate his muscular chest for this photo shot!

Visit to Royal Selangor (12 July)

The World Studies Club (WSC) had a field trip to the Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. Founded in 1885, Royal Selangor is the world's foremost name in quality pewter. The Petronas Twin Towers in the background was created with over 7,000 pewter tankards!

In the past, tin & sliver used to carried around in chunks and then literally torn-off to purchase items commensurate with the "torn" value! You certainly need a big hand bag for that!

This is the factory floor - there is still a high-degree of manual craftsmanship involved. Guess this is what makes Royal Selangor's pewter special.

For employees who worked 5 years - guess what? They get their own "High Fives" wall etched with their unique hand print and name! Talk about making an impression...

The money tree actually sets in under 20 seconds! It's amazing how something so hot cools so fast.

Me and my darling wife at the Hall of Frames ... yeah.. we have been framed!

Wai Bing demonstrating one of the most popular pewter item - the air-tight container with a cap that sinks down on its own. Worth watching .. but not so worth buying - the medium sized one cost RM850!

Here's the composition of pewter. But at the end of the day, it was actually what was in the pewter (100-Plus drinks) that really satisfied us!

Trip would not be memorable without a snapshot at the largest pewter tankard in the world! Wouldn't it have been great if it was filled with icy cool, root beer!

Session Inspirations

A profile of what goes on during a typical session from 8.30am to 6.00pm. My mind and heart has been stretched by the Holy Spirit and my paradigm and thinking is now being "thrown about"!

Mr.Dhanan of Sri Lanka - a man who really walks the talk. I am amazed at how he is a steward of the multiple resources he is entrusted with. Plus I am inspired by his laser-sharp ministry focus.

Susanta Patra - the Secretary General of India Missions Associations. A visionary and yet down-to-earth man of God. His famous line to me is - "So, Joseph - how is Mary?" He inspired me to include a "last chapter" of personal testimony in my book.

This is Sam Rufus - the faculty for Communications and Writing who inspired me towards writing a book. I have now made it a firm goal to have a book written next year. Amen.

The Down and Up of Hana

Here are the two rented min-vans (each can seat 15) ready to roar! Will be driving along the Hana Highway with stops at beaches and waterfalls.

This is Ho'okipa Beach Park - Maui's popular windsurfing and surfing beach.

Our first waterfall stop - The Twin Falls.

We had to trek in quite a long way before reaching the twin falls. Waters quite deep so only take photo without getting ourselves wet.

When we stopped by the roadside to attend to those who were car-sick, our battery ran flat! That certainly got us kicking into high-gear and we stopped almost every car that passed us by asking for a jumper cable! We waited for almost an hour before locating a kind Samaritan (he mentioned that we were the 4th vehicle that he had helped that day!).

Oh the the joy of receiving more power!

With my room-mate Maged at the Seven Falls. The rushing waterfalls was so strong that it creates a permeating mist all around.

Part of the coastal drive journey. Instead of taking the easier road home - we decided to persevere on and go for the windy route back to the Institute. But the sights were well worth it!

Praise God for this fantastic stop-over spot! We arrived here minutes before the sun-set and we were treated to a wonderful blend of green pastures, majestic mountains and heavenly clouds. Am I glad we did not turn back after the vehicle breakdown but decided to press on!

What a glorious view (and conclusion) to our Hana adventure! The coastal sights were well worth the windy pathway and not to mention, the vehicle breakdown. God is good ... all the time.