Holiday!

Elle, Bao and Flo is finally back from Bali on Tuesday...it's really good to see the girls in town...though they actually just went for a 4-days trip...ooops! Hahaha...lol

And looking at their pictures makes me regret that I didn't join them on the trip...coz no leave and have training on last Friday...haiz... =X

Well, never mind...I will go there next time...perhaps with a hunk ya? Muahaha...lol *wink*

Showing you some of the photos the girls took from their trip...just look at this sunset!!! *Awww* What a beautiful 'egg yolk' at dawn...mesmerizing... *hmmm*
...一切完美，只因有你... =)

The travelling bug is creeping up again and truly thank God for making this happen to me again. Coz though I missed the Bali trip...I am blessed with a family trip to Ho Chi Minh end of this month...WOOHOO! =DD

The trip was only made a few days back when my travelling friend, Chor Cheng, whom I know from my Europe trip last year, informed me about the recent Tiger Airways promotion of a S$0.04 air tickets to certain destination. So immediately I checked for the details.

What's more is that this promotion comes at such a perfect timing as my dad happened to return home end of the month. Since my whole family rarely see each other and get together ever since Dad starts working in China almost 10 years ago, our family trips or gatherings are almost impossible to happen. Thus, I take this chance and suggest to my parents......and guess what we ended up going to Ho Chi Minh for a short family holiday! YEAH!!! =D

And the best part is yet to come. I was rejected for a hotel booking as the room that we want is already fully booked. Not knowing how the situation of accomodation booking is like at Vietnam as this will be my first time there, I panicked a little. I want to make this trip relaxing for my parents as they hardly go to such a foreign place without in a group tour. I want to make it perfect for them.

Immediately, I turned to help a friend of mine who used to travel to HCM pretty often last time. All I actually asked from him is to advice me on which hotel he knows of and for recommendations and what to look out for when I choose the hotel. Yet, his reply is a nice surprise as he offers to help me book the tickets...at his corporte rate of S$60 per night! The price was absolutely attractive as the room rate for the initial hotel that rejected my booking is more than S$170! So now, with his help, I have actually saved up about S$400! WAHHH!!! =D

Honestly, I never thought I would be able to travel much this year after burning my wallet and my bank account last year over the 36-days Europe trip, a childhood dream that I have make it come true. And now looking back this year and the plans ahead, I have and will be going to 6 countries this year...in which 5 out of 6 of them are my very first time being there!

#1: WUXI

Period: 30 Dec 2007 - 1 Jan 2008

My very first overseas work trip as I went there to the client's warehouse for the year-end stock taking for our audit. I landed (for the first time too) at the Shanghai Putong International Airport, travel on the private car for another 3 hrs before reaching to the heart of Wuxi, a well-developed industrial area with many expats from Japan, Korea, and especially Singaporeans working there as well in the Wuxi-Singapore Industrial Park.

Most remembered for:

1. Being my FIRST overseas work trip!
2. Being the coldest New Year countdown I have ever been through -- at -4 Cecius degrees and strong winds blowing on the streets at night.
3. The yummilicious Wuxi pork rib (sweet and juicy)!
4. The cheapest yet delicious Korean BBQ as the last dinner for 2007.
5. The first time I count down to New Year Day by myself, without my usual close friends around, in a completely foreign land!
6. My first free trip (for air tickets and accomodation and even some of the meals and transports!) by the company! =P

#2: HONG KONG

Period: 7 - 10 March 2008

Blessings from my parents as they paid for my air tickets for me to go to reunite with them for this special occasion, catered specially for family to get together. =) I rushed right after work in the morning and head down straight to the airport to take the afternoon flight...just in time for the traditional family reunion dinner! With Shuhui coming along with me, I planned an itinerary for her and revisited Tai O Village, one of the fishing village that I have not been back here ever since I migrated to Singapore! Great memories indeed...hahaha...lol

Most remembered for:

1. Family reunion dinner @ airport. The word "F-A-M-I-L-Y" speaks it all... =)
2. Trip with Shuhui...needs to take care of my guest.
3. Tai O Village -- a place I have yet to return after more than 15 years...
4. Dongguan Ladies Street...gosh this is so SO much cheaper than the HK ladies street! =P
5. HK food...something I missed and will never be sick of it!
6. The peak, the victoria harbour,...oh I love them!

#3: TAIPEI & KAOSIUNG, TAIWAN

Period: 30 June - 10 July 2008

This is my FIRST mission trip!!! =D Helping out at 2 youths camp we organised with collaboration with the local churches there. The Taiwanese youths are truly on fire for God and everyone is totally enjoying themselves in the P&W session, the games and so eager to hear the preaching by Pastor Kong! The trip has edify my faith too as there are many encounters with God through the trip...these are experiences that I will never forget as God becomes so real to me at those moments. It is true that only if you are willing, he will show to you at the perfect timing. Gosh...I love and want more mission trips! =DD

Most remembered for:

1. Being my FIRST mission trip that will open me to more mission trips to come!
2. Many unforgettable encounters with God as I serve in all the areas where needed during the trip.
3. Witness the passion and feel the hunger of the Taiwanese youth for more of God's presence and His Words in their lives that moved me to reflect on my own spiritual growth, my attitude towards God, and edify me to stand firm in my faith and belief.
4. Being my FIRST trip to the land God has opened doors for us to go, to the food and shopping paradise, to the vibrant nightlife at the night markets, and to the friendly hospitalities of the locals...and that's all happen in Taiwan! =D

#4: HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM

Period: 28 Sep - 1 Oct 2008

A family outings overseas and out of China and HK for more than 10 years. The more busy we are, the more costly our leisure time will become for us. So this trip is very precious to me and my family. I miss my dad so much. I want to make this trip perfect for them (especially their birthdays fall at the end of Sep and at the beginning of Oct). I also want to challenge myself that I am capable of organising a great trip for my parents...I realise how tedious it can become and I feel so bad that I must have tired my friend out for the planning last year over the Europe trip...so sorry manz... =X

Can't wait for the trip because:

1. It is a family holiday trip!
2. My FIRST time to Vietnam!
3. My FIRST time taking Tiger Airways...if not for the promotion I probably won't take it! =P
4. To see the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnant Museum to experience and witness the damages and cruelty done for this Vietnam War.
5. To Mekong Delta (if can find the day trip there) to experience the beauty of the floating fishing market.

#5: PHUKET

Period: 10 - 12 Oct 2008

This year is special for my company is bringing us to Phuket for retreat...plus dinner and dance! =DD I have never been to Phuket and I have ALWAYS wanted to go there...for the beach, for the sun, for the sea! What's even more wonderful is that we are going to stay in the 5 star hotel -- Millenium Hotel. Nothing's going to beat such a great offer!

Can't wait for the trip because:

1. This is my FIRST time to Phuket!
2. This is my FIRST time whereby I have an oversea dinner and dance!
3. For the sun, for the beach, for the sand, for the sea, for the....... =)

#6: SKUDAI

Period: 8 - 10 Dec 2008

This shall be my second mission trip, the original one and only trip I have planned to go right from the beginning this year in substitution to Taiwan mission trip because of my tight budget. Yet, right before this trip I was already given so many opportunities to go overseas! 2 trips paid by company, 2 trips blessed by my parents, and only 2 trips I paid for myself! I can't wait for another chance to serve God in another place!

Can't wait for the trip because:

1. This is my second mission trip...another time to serve God in the mission field!
2. It is really great to see great revival in another place outside Singapore, to see and be part of God's work outside.
3. Oh I just love going on mission trips! =D

What more can I say...I AM VERY VERY BLESSED! =DD *grinz*

Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 Special!

Haha presenting to you here are the essence of the trip of what's happening behind the scene!

It is always great to remember the good times that have happened in your life so then you will learn to appreciate the things in our lives and treasure them... =)

This cool picture is taken by our photographer Kenneth! Nice view indeed... =))Psalm 95:1-7

"Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;

let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before him with thanksgiving

and extol him with music and song.

For the LORD is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us bow down in worship,

let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God..."

Walking down the memory lane of Taiwan Youth Camp 2008... Do you see the new generation of Taiwanese rising up? =)

Campfire that warms up everyone's heart in this dark, cool night.Faith is to believe what you do not see;

and the reward of this faith is to see what you believe. ~ Saint Augustine WYZ's members...so many of them came for this mission trip... =)The new generation of terrorist -- JC warriors! *wink* =P

Behind the scene...behind the scoreboard...Mission @ Kaoshiung!

The mission warriors!Have you ever seen terrorists armed and charged into the hall with water guns and balloons?

Well...we are the first ones! *bleh* =D

Very very interesting signboard...hahaha...lolThis is what I called: "Work hard, play hard!" =POur Mr Manhunt of Emerge 2007 -- Edwin Ong!

He is applying exactly what Pastor Kong preached on the weekend service:

"做人爱ZAI! (要酷)"

Thanks to our usher leader, RJ (aka Roberts), for the smooth flow of human traffic for all the sessions in this camp!Lynn Choo: "Let me in! I wanna come in! Hehehe..."Lesson to learn here:

Always remember who's the key keeper...if not remember who is fit enough like Zhenyang to climb through the door window!God's joy is present with all of us always no matter how tired we can get...or cranky...

Funniest shot of DT you could possibly find...hahaha...lol

TFV (Taiwan Funniest Video) contestant #1: Carrot or whistle?

TFV contestant #2: The yummy dumplings

TFV contestant #3: Drinking competition

So pick your vote NOW! =P

“凡事都有定期，
"There is a time for everything,
天下各樣事務都有定時。
and a season for every activity under heaven.

生有時，死有時；
A time to be born and a time to die,
栽種有時，拔出所栽種的也有時；
a time to plant and a time to uproot;

殺戮有時，醫治有時；
A time to kill and a time to heal,
拆毀有時，建造有時；
a time to tear down and a time to build;

哭有時，笑有時；
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
哀慟有時，跳舞有時；
a time to mourn and a time to dance;

拋擲石頭有時，堆聚石頭有時；
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
擁抱有時，不擁抱有時；
a time to embrace and a time to refrain;

尋找有時，失落有時；
A time to search and a time to give up,
保守有時，捨棄有時；
a time to keep and a time to throw away;

撕裂有時，縫補有時；
A time to tear and a time to mend,
靜默有時，說話有時；
a time to be silent and a time to speak;

愛有時，恨有時；
A time to love and a time to hate,
戰爭有時，和平有時。”
a time for war and a time for peace."

傳道書 第三章：第一至八节
Ecclesiastes 3 : 1 - 8

Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 > Before Camp Preparation! (30 June)

FINALLY I have consolidated most of the photos we had taken during the mission trip! So now it's the SHOWTIME!!! =DDD

As I have shared earlier on how much the Taiwan mission trip has made a great impact on my walk with God, how I encounter God as I serve in the camp, I guess there will always be a part of me left back in the days of serving in this youth camp. Looking back on these photos will certainly bring me back to the past, and might even be the start of the history of a new generation of future church leaders.

Well...juz sit back and enjoy the ride ya? *wink* =))

Setting off to Taiwan!

From clockwise: Andy Loh, Benny, Me, and TinaI SEE TAIWAN!!!Since the Taoyuan International Airport is located in the suburban area, the land below are mainly farmlands, industrial areas and pieces of undeveloped flatland.

Our China Airlines flight...oh well not as bad as I would have thought from my previous experience with this airline...

Welcome to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport!The Taiwan airport is not as big as our Changi Airport though...but still rather clean and neat. =)

The immigration custom areaTaipei!On our way to our hotel, the surrounding areas from the highway are mostly still undeveloped...well looks just like China though with all the direction and signboards in Chinese.Our hotel!

The church has arranged the coach to pick us from the airport to our hotel in Tamsui. The brothers are nice and gentlemen enough to help us unload all our heavy luggages off the coach.

Nice river view from our hotel room! =DOnce we settled down our stuffs, we immediately gather again and took cab in groups of 4 to the campsite located on top of a hill at Christ's College. Tina & Me!The function hall for the P&W and preaching sessionsMy first Taiwan bento! =D

All our meals are catered in the camp. Yet Taiwan meals are not like those in Singapore where we only ate the usual veggie and meat plus rice packed in the styrofoam boxes. In Taiwan, they called these takeaways "bentos" and they can consist of a large variety like dumplings, cold noodles, japnese bentos etc.

I LOVE TAIWAN BENTOS~! =D

Taiwan Metro Map! We didn't buy the Easypay card (= EzLink), so we juz get the usual one way ticket. Yet in Taiwan, they don't use 'ticket' but a token or coin-like thing to board the train. You just need to scan the coin, like EzLink, on the machine when you enter, and insert the coin to the coin slot when you are exiting from the platform.

It's THAT simple! =) Guess where we are going that makes me so happy? =PIt's the SHILIN NIGHT MARKET! =DD Taiwan is famous for their night markets as you can find the tastiest, hottest, newest, most creative, weirdest,......hot snacks and food in this place! *drool* =D It is like a larger scale of our own pasar malam as there are stalls selling clothes, bags, shoes ets here at the night market. The difference is that the fashion here is more trendy and the quality of the clothes and accessories are generally higher too...and it's cheaper! =DMy beloved SMELLY BEANCURD! =DD

This is the food that I CANNOT afford to miss as I was a fan of smelly beancurd since young...and now I am hooked to Taiwan because of the smelly beancurd! It is just so tasty and delicious and super duper YUMMY!!! =DDD

Oh well...not everyone will like it though...my dear friend Tina dislikes it as she finds it TOO smelly...hahaha...so anyone dare to try?? =P

Taiwan bubble milk tea is GOOD! =D

I am just glad we have the time on the first night we arrived to go to the Shilin night market to walk around and enjoy all the shopping and the good food. The preparation for the camp is all ready for tomorrow. And we are all prepared to work the OT for the Lord's great work in the Taiwanese youth by then...I am just so excited! =)))

Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 > Taipei Camp 1! (1 - 4 July)

Getting up for a great start of the day!

And hotel breakfast is always a good energy pack to recharge your sleepy state of mind... =PTamsui is a nice place at the far north end of Taipei......I like it here...do you? =)Lunch @ our logistic room

The Taiwan Youth Camp 2008 has begun! =D Camp 1 @ Taipei has about 700+ students, aging from 12-18 years old, participated in this camp. Gosh I feel so old when I stood among them and watched...bring me back to those days I was back in ASC camp every June for almost 10 years before I went to CHC...haiz... *shrug* 死蚂蚁 (dead ants)!

When the emcee shout "dead ants" in chinese, everyone in the hall would have to act like an ant, flinging their hands and legs upward, struggling on the ground. They did this almost at the start of all the sessions...pretty cute to see the whole hall of students doing that on the ground...hahaha...lol

Video of the ice breaker games played in the hall...死蚂蚁! =D Ice breakers @ the fieldThe students are divided into 6 different colour of houses - Blue, Red, Purple, Orange, Yellow, Green. In each house, the students are further divided into 6 smaller groups.


Since this is the first day of the camp, some ice breaker games would be a great start to get the bunch to know one another much better... =)Taiwan bento - cold noodles - for lunch! *wink* =P 蝉 (Cicada)!

Cicadas live in temperate to tropical climates where they are among the most widely recognized of all insects, mainly due to their large size and remarkable acoustic talents.

According to the Taiwanese there, the cicadas will stay in their cocoons underground, usually at the bottom of the trees, for about 13 years before they evolved into the adult cicada in the summer and live just for that summer. How precious is their summertime manz... =X

The enthusiatic students forming long queues outside the hall just before the sessions where Pastor Kong is going to preach. Gosh it is really touching to see that they are so passionate about it and hungry for God's words...this is truly amazing! =DD Balloon fighting session! The presence of God is so strong in the camp that many times everyone would fall down on their knees on the floor and sang in tears to God. This experience is juz overwhelming and so wonderful...I juz enjoy dwelling in His presence...

Right after the session on the first day is telematch, captain's ball and dodge ball. I was placed to be one of the helpers at the telematch there. Some of us, like Jeremy Kuang, would act as demonstrators so the campers can understand the games stations much well off. =) Let the telematch begin!Most hilarious station -- Melting the ice block! Guys will have to sacrifice a bit here by showing off their macho backs for the other to run in order to melt the ice.

Oh well, a cold massage in this hot weather shouldn't be too bad ya? =PSome of the Taiwanese celebrities came over to share their testimonies and to encourage the students to grow in their faith for God......and of course among them is one of our closest friend to Pastor Kong -- Liu Geng Hong & his wife, Vivian Wong! =) My lunch...erm Taiwanese sesame salad popiah?? Human Monopoly PIP (Preparation-In-Progress) The helpers! =))Don't mess with us coz we've got the guns!Nick Chor looks coolz in this picture...hahaha...lol A day of fun seems to be coming to an end... F.I.R. is here! =DDFei Er and Ah Qing came to the camp on the last night to share their testimonies with the students, as well as to encourage them to grow in their faith for God.

Well, and of course, they will perform their best songs again, "Yue Ya Wan" & "3 Wishes"! =))Each house is to perform a drama about christianity. The winning team for camp 1 actually has a part that imitates Pastor Kong giving altar call during one of his services. The way they try to imitate his accent and the process is super hilarious manz...hahaha...lol

It's CAMPFIRE time! =DEveryone is dancing and enjoying every moment of the campfire as it marks the closing end of the camp...how fast the time has passed by...But the least they would expect is that this camp is not ended yet...for the Terorrist Attack!The Night Mission begins in 5...4...3...2..1!The main purpose of this night mission game is actually to let them know the real situation of being christians in some places where they would face oppression and trials and christianity gathering is deemed to be illegal.

Yet, we know our God is real and alive and we know our paths with him shall not always be smooth sailing. So this game is to build their faith and to train their character when they face such situations.

Some students are really frightened while some really show their brave side in defending for their friends here too...thumbs up for them... =)

The big camp photo! =)

It is time to say goodbye...and hopefully see you next year! =)

From back row clockwise: Valerie, Yu Fen, Charlene, Pastor Ariel, and Me!

The Singapore Mission Team with Pastor Kong!

[Note: I am standing right next to Pastor Kong and he is so tall! =DD]