Gratitude

To the Faithful One who has seen me through with grace and mercy.

Recalling the events of the year has caused me to once again acknowledge the Almighty One for His abundance upon me.

In January, He has led me to a calling never before would I ever imagine could happen. To lead a home school and back to basics; it is learning and teaching again albeit a different programme and set up. It has since then been occupying me and my obligation to make it work burn daily in me. God's divine intervention and presence I have felt and seen. Thank you dear God for allowing an opportunity so alien and yet compelling.

The family trip to Turkey was a treat in February. So Asian and European at the same time, the land has opened my eyes to a world of different culture, religion and the thick history so appealing. Visiting the lands of the 7 churches and the ruins of Ephesus was nostalgic as it reflected the reality of the Bible in my readings.

In the wishing well near Mary, the mother of Jesus' home, Esther said that my prayer for her to have a boyfriend has been answered. 

In June, the little one of the home tied her marital knot with Garrett; her boyfriend of a decade.

It was a happy day and the couple finally completed their vow with everyone's blessing. I am glad she has taken the decision and on to her next course of action in her well-planned life.

With the wedding behind and things back to normal, it is travelling for us again. To the land of the rising sun, so beautiful and unforgettable. You have to be there to witness and feel to understand me better. I learn the cultured way of seeing things, many of which I shared with my prodigy, the most memorable one being the clean seats in toilets with gadgets to wash during big and small businesses.

A very contented couple savoring the intricacies of Japanese beliefs and way of life. Yes, I will visit other parts of the country when our currency puts up a better show in the future; let it be as soon as possible I pray.

September cannot just come and go without an event especially with the long Hari Raya break. So, the itchy feet brought us to a land nearer home; Saigon.

In Vietnam, we realized the hardworking populace has taken over our country in education and trade. This is proven in the status of the nation in international tests. I was appalled to find out that I had to fork a lot of money to buy a top in a mall in Saigon city. When were we overtaken? I had to admit but it is reality.
Truly saddened.

Soon, the end of the year came by. But missing the little grandchild empowered us to take many weekend trips to play with the darling.

While in her mummy's womb, I laid hands over the scanned image of her and asked God to present a child who will bring joy to everyone around her. Emily is a joyous character with little fuss. Even when mummy and daddy left her for a trip overseas, she does not give problems to those who babysit her. We thank God for this sweet disposition.

Christmas came and went.
What other better way than to spend it with all loved ones especially with my dear parents who are nonagenarians. Mum's determination to defy the odds in fighting against a fall saw her back to her legs. She will bear all pains to accomplish her best and she now can walk. She has taught perseverance and her tough spirit is hard to emulate.
We praise God for His unending mercies and grace upon the home.

To God be the glory for the year 2016.

Thank you dear Jesus for undeserving grace.

We look forward to 2017 with a prayer that You will keep us under your guiding hand and protection; that you will watch all our going outs and coming ins and cover us with your precious blood and covenant.

Amen.

Friends

Friends of over 2 decades have much to share and everything under the sun unashamedly revealed in conversation.

Being the only thorn, Mr. Gan took the initiative to invite and gather. We, the roses agreed instantly as we have not seen one another for quite a while. Old friends especially when you have been colleagues for a good part of your life will want to catch up with the latest and hoping the best for one another.

Guess what our conversation was about?

Yes, first it was about our Alma Mater and we pondered over the changes that have occurred over the years. People come and go but feelings stay quite a while. We, the roses truly love our Alma Mater and long to be back except things may not be the same anymore. What did we learn? That we have to let go but inevitably hope too that we will always be welcome. At the end of it, we wish her the best that can be and that more children will leave the gates with accolades that reflect a good learning curve.

Then we inadvertently drew one another to the well-being of our children. The thorn is still the junior and so his children are parked in colleges and universities for learning. Ours are all of marriageable age and so we relentlessly insisted that we share about their boyfriends and girlfriends. When is the bell ringing? Many reasons were then piled in; it was not easy to book a dinner place; the children have just started work and oh that they were not exactly ready. Of course I was the champion as I had both my girls married off albeit another one still tarrying.

Then there was this opinion; must there be a dinner? Why can't things be quiet and the couple undisturbed? Oh no ! The Chinese cannot hear of this ! How can a daughter be married off without the whole world being notified? It is unheard of!

So, there was this need to hunt for a decent dinner place and the frustration intensifies as there was hardly any available unless booked a year ahead. Make a good guess whose son or daughter is next in line?

We had stitches in our stomach when a sharing on the types of practices that were requested from one party for a wedding was told. Apparently, Chinese cultural practices are plenty and often times superstitious.  Sometimes you wonder if they are religious or cultural.

You have been told to provide 2 birds (cockerels) on fetching the bride and the couple were to be led by them ! Whatever for?
Then the groom has to look for a little lad to jump on the wedding bed on the wedding day ! Why is it so?
Of course, the best suggestion is to have the groom to provide a piglet when the bride is picked up. Believe me, when roasted well, it is truly a delight.
This one had an additional request; to provide another piglet during cocktail !
I look forward to being invited. The cocktail will surely be unforgettable.

What about the dowry? How much? What is the present going rate? We were informed that it was RM 8k! Only that? Surely it is more than that? And oh yes another impending question. How much to give for the tea ceremony? A house perhaps? So, we talked and talked and in between advised one another. Mr Thorn observed us and occasionally smiled at our idiosyncrasy. That's the best part about him. Understanding and not a busy body.

Next, how about food catering? Want to do food business? How do we tap on the market? You see, teachers are surely versatile. When they dump their teaching professions, they can be tailors, cooks, interior designers, transport providers and just name them. Maybe an uber driver too. You can bet many have turned into uber drivers drawing pays unheard of.

So, we had fun as we shared unreservedly. You are truly comrades and care for one another. You are not afraid of being ridiculed as we learn from our mistakes. When you hear of one being unwell, you also reach out in pain and keep them in your prayers. That is friendship.

We met at 3 pm; forgot ourselves and when we realised it was already 6 pm and time to depart. We will meet again perhaps in trips, for coffee breaks and definitely in weddings. We had a most wonderful time.

Looking forward to the next meet.

Marina Barrages

On a Sunday morning in Singapore.

It was a memorable one with nothing in particular in mind except to just enjoy the morning. What did we do? Back home in Malaysia we would have found ourselves in church in praise and worship. But in Singapore the daughter suggested a ride round the island and see people in action.

The doting grandpa had to think of an idea to entertain the grand daughter and what other better activity then to fly the kite and play the ball?

We observe other families enjoying in groups with little children and it is truly a beautiful sight.

Expatriates gathering together in families and having clean fun.

It is so wonderful to see them so happy in simple joys.

 

At the top of marina barrages there is room for run and play.

Walking the dog and riding bicycles are common and healthy.

However, my old eye roved to another corner of the recreation land and for all my 60 years, this was the first time I see such Japanese influence among the islanders. Hobbies and rest come in all forms as mentioned but here I surely saw the teenagers engaging in other forms of play and leisure pursuit. I wondered immediately at the parents' response to their children's craze. Do they see eye to eye with them in their fad?

It is cosplay in action.

As early as 9 am we saw droves of the obsessed lot all too excited to show off their best costumes and hair do. What were they doing? In the rest room I met a red-haired teenager putting on final touches and I innocently asked why were they colouring their hair ? How silly of me ! They were on wigs! I actually thought that they were using a temporary spray which could be easily washed off so that they will not be reprimanded in school the next day !

I think I am really from the old school for I think about nothing but being caught in wrong acts in school. Aren't I?

The girl gave me the unapproved look and said " Hobby?"

Yes, it is hobby indeed. But it is an intensive hobby with the expensive looking accessories and extensive effort.

Again, who am I to say it is acceptable or not?

 The guy on the left actually posed and asked to be taken a photo. He is very proud of his outfit. Look at the turquoise-coloured hair of the lass on the right? They are all very happy. As parents you are either with them or you face the resentment. You might as well agree. Do you not agree?

The girl wore light coloured feathered wings to complement her dressing .I noticed that she was beaming in smiles as she maneuvered her way around the crowd. In cosplay outfit, you can almost change your original look. Although
in a long hairdo, do not be misled by the player on the right. He went into the men's rest room and came out looking every inch a pretty 'girl' and was given away by his voice. I really am with the parents of these youths.

On the happy Sunday everyone is surely happy with their hairdo, costumes and songs too.

The crowd cheered at their singing and the participants were exhilarated at the audience's claps and warm feedback. This is hobby indeed. Teenagers have much energy that must be manifested in some ways.

They go all out for activities and I remember some at home whom we have to persuade so hard to study add maths. There must also be some captivating ways?

Stalls providing support in everything Japanese from stamps, batches, drawings, accessories and stickers added colour to the already merry spirit spreading through the grounds.

The earnest stall operators surely know how to capture the interest of the players. 

Which do you prefer?

The white or red one?

They are displayed to add zeal to the day.

The old fashioned me still am of the opinion that a day out with the family is the best key to fulfillment of life.

Happy Sunday.

More to come I pray.