Bracing myself for...

another term in school!

10 super crazy weeks.


Abide in me, and I in you.
As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself,
unless it abides in the vine,
neither can you, unless you abide in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches.
Whoever abides in me and I in him,
he it is that bears much fruit,
for apart from me you can do nothing.
(John 15:4-5)

Just before I left the USA, an older lady shared these verses with me - that I may continue to remain connected to my Lord, and be fruitful in all the work that He gives me.
Making this my constant prayer - that which the Lord has given me is my portion for now, and He is the Supplier of the strength, wisdom, encouragement, and comfort that I'll need for this next 10 weeks (and beyond).

Off I go to prep myself for the new term!

back from a seriously long blog break...

taken such a long break from blogging basically cos there are seriously other more urgent stuff to get done.

School's been taxing, even in the school holidays! :'( so much to do, so little time. Seriously, I love all the interaction with the students, teaching them what I know, learning new stuff with them, and taking as many opportunities I have been presented to tell them of the Christ who came to die for their sins. And I think that's all there is for me in this vocation. The rest of the add-ons, well, I wish they would just GO AWAY!

Over the past 2 months, some significant stuff happened. Lost a friend who had greatly impacted my (and my husband's) life in the year and half we were in the states. We had a lot of fun hanging out and exchanging ministry ideas. He was one who always put others first before self, even when he was really tired from his night shift at UPS. Life is like a vapor, that appears for a little while but vanishes away... but God is eternal and His word is eternally true - God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours.

28052009 We celebrated our 4th Wedding Anniversary. No big crazy thing we did. In fact, I went to a ladies' fellowship meeting that day! I thank God for my husband, who's been a great example of what Christ is like and what God wants me to be - others first, people more important than self / things, generous & pro-active in loving others, forgiving 7x7 times+++, ... I LOVE YOU, BABY :)

June Camp - the highlight of school holidays. We went to this 5-star hotel place in Putrajaya (somewhere near KL). It's good to be in the fellowship of like-minded believers who love the Lord, His word, and His people.

Just a few more days to school re-opening. Much work to get done... off I go...

2nd week back in school...

I must say it's almost a prayer come true - while I was in the States, I had thought it would be a great experience if I could teach an EM3 class when I return to teaching. Lo, and behold, due to some very unforeseen circumstances in staff movement, I am now taking an EM3 GRADUATING class. A great challenge since it's my first EM3 experience. And they are definitely very challenging in every possible way!

This is my second week in school. It's been really trying (and 'teary' too!) Thanks for the many who love me and have been interceding for me, especially my husband who has been soooo patient! I do need much prayer (and to be in prayer!) - that I'll have Jesus' patience and love for them!

Let me end off with a very encouraging salvation testimony a friend in ministry shared.

George was a boy in the Christian school that got up to give a testimony. He is a small Hispanic boy who had gotten saved this week during school. He had a unique way of describing what happened to him. He stood up to the microphone and with conviction said: “This week Jesus was knocking on the door of my heart, and I let him in. He came in, brought all His stuff, sat down on the couch and took off his shoes, and He said He’s not leaving!”

What a comforting thought! He is never going to leave me!

"I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (Jn 10:28)

there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (Lk 15:10)

Home and...

jetlagged.

I don't remember a time I've been more jetlagged than this. Waking up at 5am almost every morning, and feeling lightheaded and weird throughout the rest of the day. It's really a challenge to stay alert throughout the day.

Still, I know I can rejoice and give thanks for the blessings of early mornings in God's Word, being home with family, and yes, today I finally got confirmation of my posting - back to Xinghua Primary School.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow...

Some very precious memories

The last couple of weeks had been busy with bidding farewell to friends who were much like family in the past 1.5yrs.

Dearest Millers, thank you for spending so much time with us, making us feel so a part of your family. You've been so generous in your love towards us. We love and cherish all the times we had together! Hope you guys can come to our side of the world some time too! We love and miss you very much.

Our fellow Asians, we love you guys! Thank you for your friendship and generous spirit, always looking out for us, from helping to satisfy our cravings for asian food to a roof over our heads in the last month, we're truly thankful! We love and miss the fun times we've had and look forward to you being on our side of the world! Can't wait! :)

Dearest Landry, Trena & Shiloh, what a blessing you have been to us - your love for the Lord has been a great encouragement to us. We are glad that we had the opportunity of serving in Trek with you! We love you guys, and thanks for all the fun 'short-bus' rides! Totally unforgettable!

Dearest Canfields, we had so much fun getting to know you. We know the Lord will be with you and work through your new ministry in Kenya! We're gonna miss hanging with you guys, esp the kids!

Dearest Caupps, you played a huge part in getting us to the States, and helping us settle into school and dorm. Thank you always looking out for us and making sure our needs are met. Your love for the Lord and willing sacrifices for His work are great examples for us. We love you guys!

Our very special friends, we love the late nights with you, coffee, no coffee, healthy food, monopoly, translation of chinese hymns, etc Thank you for challenging us with deep theological issues that fry my brains. We'll truly miss you.

Katie, thanks for all the fun & adventures we had. You've been a great blessing and encouragement in the Lord. Remember the race we're going to have! I'm so looking forward to that day!

Oh Betty! I'm gonna miss all those crazy fun times with you. May the Lord meet your every need and give you the desires of your heart as you continue to obey Him. I love you!

Gwen, I can't tell you enough times how great an encouragement you have been to me. Let's continue to focus our eyes on the finished work of the Cross, and remain faithful in serving our faithful Lord. I'm gonna miss all the lil and long chats we had!

Eva, you are more of an encouragement to me than you think! I almost want to say "when i grow up, i just want to be like Eva!" I love how you'd put other's needs before your own, how you always strive to speak gently as the Lord would have you, and always an encouragement to please the Lord in word and deed, yet remain so humble in spirit!

Dear Rebekah, thank you for sharing your struggles that I may learn the Lord's grace and faithfulness. As you continue to trust and obey God, He'll grant you the desires of you heart. How exciting!

Mrs Marcia Gammon, thank you for the wise & very firm counsel whenever I needed them, and challenging me to dig for answers in the Word.

Mrs Shannon Doney, thank you for all your patience and encouragement and not giving up on your almost over-age piano student :)

And there are just so many, many more we love and will miss..

I've been kind of feeling very emotional the last couple of days. Thought we had more time left than we actually have. And I realised that while I was all excited to come to the USA, I did not prepare myself or even think about what it is going to be like to leave. We've made so many good friends here, and the thought that it might we a long time before we meet again, if we do meet again, is just soooooo painful to think about... haiz

Sweet Valentines

Valentines' is kind of fun this year. I gotta bake cupcakes and cheesecake, and made some chocolate strawberries.

Pink Cupcakes

Mocha Layered Cheesecake & Chocolate Strawberries

The cheesecake look so pretty and it was kind of yummy, at least for the first couple of bites. But the taste buds noted the unusual saltiness. Sadly, the sugar canister had some salt in it too. Haiz.. so, here is a sweet memory of my salty cheesecake.

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Last Valentines was spent babysitting the Millers an Canfields. This year we spent it with our Adult Bible Fellowship - Young Marrieds class. It was fun. We played some games and had yummy steak and nice chocolate truffle dessert.

It's our kind of Valentines. Being with friends - being a blessing and being blessed by nice Christian fellowship :)

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