The Newly Weds

 Yes, today is a joyous day for the new couple; Nadia and Jazli.

 Nadia is daughter to Puan Zaidah; the physics teacher. I taught Nadia in her younger days and today she is the bride to the handsome groom. She is a matured lady now, ready to be the help mate. 

May the couple plough through a life of harmony, peace and happiness together. 

Nadia once told me that the groom is attached to marine services and that explains the uniform he is in.

 I believe she has found her heart's love.

 Friends and students alike came in to give best wishes and convey their congratulations. Nadia once had a temporary teaching post in Seafield and many students are attached to her. Mr. Charles came in with his lovely children and wife and I gazed in wonder the amount of energy and attention poured into taking care of the young siblings. It reminded me of my younger days too when I had to look after my Charlie's angels. Somehow when you are young, the sky is the limit and you are not consumed by the enormous duties and tasks. It sure is good to be young.

 Puan Zaidah is now mother-in-law to 2 couples and may she continue to taste of the good experiences of life. 

All the best to the family in the days to come.

Congratulations again Nadia and Jazli.

By My Side

She's the first cousin of her cohort to tie the knot.

Sophie and Ivan made it to the isle !

Congratulations to the couple.

 

A marriage witnessed before God and blessings full.

Both made their vows of love and trust before the Lord.

May God's unction and guidance be their source of wisdom as they sojourn on earth.

The bride and bridegroom; man and wife.

To Sophie

...Many women do noble things,

   but you surpass them all.

   Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

   but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised... Proverbs 31:29,30

May you be a constant support to Ivan.

To Ivan

...Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself...

Ephesians 5:28

May your love for Sophie be steadfast.

Though the wedding is in London, many flew in to celebrate the joy including 3 Seafieldians...
Esther, Megan and  Shaun. 

A happy day indeed.

 Family
Everyone happy for them.

This evergreen tune adds to the ethos of this memorable day.

God Bless Ivan and Sophie

04.08.2013

A Day Of Giving

 Some days end differently.

Today is one such day.

It is the epitome of gifts as the day draws nearer to the festive celebration; everyone has a heart for someone. In school, there were also some gestures of generosity and appreciation.

 As head of the staff club, Puan Maziha collected donations and gifts to appreciate the general workers of the school in a short ceremony.

 Gifts were beautifully packed and distributed to the delight of some.

That's my favourite girl; Sukarti. She cleans well and is obliging.
These girls work hard to earn a living here.
 So, it was a pleasure to say thank you.

 The flower girl of the school today extended her creativity to a greater height.
 Almost everyone had a share of her concoction !

 Ms Chan lifted many hearts with her array of colours including the principal's spirit. 

The little spark spread far and wide as smiles lined many lips at the gesture of love.

 He delighted me too but the ever shy Leong says no, no, no; please don't snap !

 A surprise from his mama ! So I had that for lunch . Thumbs up.

 Daughter Grace texted me to say she received a gift from a patient who appreciated her for removing an ingrown nail an hour ago.

Indeed today is a day of gifts !

No coincidence but real incidents.

 There was also an exchange of packets for the young and generous donations for special needs.

The camaraderie ethos was strong and encouraging.

We like to feel this way; safe and warm.

But the best news of all of course is; today is the start of a 2 week break !

Everyone travels here and there for the festive celebration in the Hari Raya mood.

Malaysia is indeed a land to be envied by many; so many holidays!

Happy holidays and stay safe.

The Causeway Connection (1)

 The May break saw 40 of us visiting some schools in Singapore; so we named it the causeway connection.

We wrote in to a few and they graciously received us. We chose some established schools but we also felt led to visit the much talked about one; Northlight.

 Geographically, the attachment is real. We are connected by causeways and are neighbours. Singapore's only access out by land is through Malaysia. We have been 'siblings' and now we are friends. Therefore it is not surprising that when we attempted to cross the causeway, we were greeted by this massive jam. People travel both ways like nobody's business. This is an everyday affair. How connected we can be.

Northlight is no ordinary school we were told. It is a school of hope for those who find it difficult to make it through the primary school examinations. It is here that self-esteem is restored and meaning is brought back to the low-esteem. So it's vocational in nature. Children are taught practical living skills for survival. That is what life is really about; to be independent and acquiring strengths emotionally, physically and socially for a place in society.

Northlight tries hard to decrease the attrition rate as the children face challenges in life.

 She aims to minimize truancy. So Northlight provides free shuttle service to school. I thought it was original and practical. The school tells her children that she cares. Oh how nice.

 Home visits are a norm. Teachers are told to observe the needs of their children during such times. They must teach with a heart of love. Teachers who are caring only can perform such duties.

Retailing is in the syllabus and the children are taught skills to manage simple exchanges and business.

 They are also taught to cook, bake and serve 'cafeteria' style.

A professional baked the cake and we asked for a chance to taste. When you ask, you have it.

 "Graffiti" are allowed with rules ! So they play games with joy.

 When free, students are given the privilege of gaming sessions. This special room caters to the needs of students who want a game or two during the course of the day. The environment is inviting and give reasons for students to stay in school.

I like this golden rule. We need it to have a meaningful existence. Northlight imparts a lot of that.

Of the many activities that caught my heart was this little orchard manned by students. We were told that occasionally teachers are awarded with fruits as appreciation. So nice.

In a nutshell, Northlight is an outlet for the not so academically -inclined ones but nevertheless equally important practical-living ones to be vocationally trained.

Here, the heart of education is the education of the heart.

The teachers are called in for a special delivery and purpose.

Northlight taught us true humility, genuine care and meaningful gestures of life.

Perhaps those are everything .

Thank you to the staff who took pains to see us and allowing a physical tour .

Devi

 She is a simple soul with very simple needs; that's how I read her.

I look at her as I would at my own girls; they are all of the same time.

She finally made her decision to tie the knot; a commitment to another phase of life.

So, it was with great pleasure that we plough through the traffic jam of Kuala Lumpur to reach Sentul.

 

 This beautiful piece of art greeted us as we entered the hall at 7.00 pm.

Many happy faces of children and relatives excitedly gathered together for this special occasion.

 I am ashamed to admit but it is true that this is the first traditional Indian wedding that I have attended.

 But I gather I would have more to attend what with my colleagues' children coming of age.

I watched with interest at the display of traditional rites and steps accorded during a wedding.

 The packet on the left contains sweets and beans; Doris told me that the beans denote that either the groom or the bride is the last child of the family. We know that Devi is the youngest of the family. The yellow rice is to be thrown at the new couple like confetti for a call of blessings.

 We do look matured but nevertheless elegant ; any denial ?

Some of us have been colleagues for the past 20 years...
Periachee, Sulochana, Latha, Hargopal and Malar will give us more chances to witness Indian weddings.

We are truly ancient in the school.

 That's the handsome groom being led into the hall for the rituals.

 That's the pretty bride being led into the hall by a dance.

 After a full hour of rites and change of attire, we finally had the chance to go near them for this famous shot.

It was indeed a happy occasion for us as we witnessed Devi finally married.

She was smiling throughout the night.

So, here's to Devi and the groom; a toast of good things in life.

May both of you love each other with great understanding and care.

Congratulations.