Sunday, September 25, 2005

Death: What is Life about?

That storming Wednesday was traumatic in many ways. We attempted to head to the jetty hoping to catch our squids for supper. Along the way to the jetty, I was chasing by a tiger, ermm...I mean cat...actually it was a kitten. Wrapped tightly in a towel to shelter me from the cold night, armed with a tiny laser light, the same one I shone in the faces of the Sec 3s, I ran to the jetty and later, back to the room like a lunatic. It was totally embarrassing, but I did not care. So there. Our night at the jetty was prematuredly shorten...due to the kitten who terrorized me as well as the bobbing sea. Thus, we spent our time, resting at the resort.
Looking back, perhaps, the Lord knew we needed the rest, as the days to follow where hectic and demanding. Late that night, we received a call, an unexpected one. Daniel's uncle, Andrew, just passed away due to a heart attack. That news really took us by surprise. We had just met him recently over a meal and he seemed fine. Daniel remained pensive that night and I started packing. I felt sad thinking about my father-in-law. Uncle Andrew was the brother who took care of his siblings. We had to go back to Singapore. There was much to be done and much people to comfort.
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I never liked funerals. But Christian ones are beautiful. Sad but peaceful because we know that once we leave this life on earth, we enter into God's presence. What comfort that thought is to the loved ones who remain on this earth.
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Some parting shots.
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Grand Uncle cuts a solitary figure. The grieving family.
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Dear readers, where does your hope lie? What are you striving for in life? It was poignant to know that even though Uncle Andrew was a good man who could weather the storms in life, he died just like any other person. The Lord gives and takes away life. Whatever you work for, cannot be brought with you after death. The only assurance we can have is through Jesus Christ, His son. That once we believe in Him, we are assured that whatever comes our way, we will meet Him in heaven when our time on earth is done. Teenagers, your life is unexpected. Some of you might live to ripe old ages but some of you might leave unexpectedly. Are you ready to meet your creator? Would it be a reunion or a rejection?

Sunday, September 04, 2005

Vacation

25th Sept 2005 - Well, finally, I have time to update. Just right after our trip...it was non-stop action. Really non-stop. So hang in there as I update all of you about my life.
Welcome to DJ island! Ermm...well, it was so unpopulated. There were only 11 of us at the resort. 2 families of 8 from Singapore, me and hubby and a European lady. The kids from Singapore were having a whale of a time playing at the beach, eating, running along the coast and swimming in the pool. Daniel spent his time catching up on the fishes that he 'thought' he would have caught in Singapore but had no time to. I rested with reading and setting of Final year exam papers. It was a truly good and restful time. Welcome to our island! Sorry, CLZ. I would have definitely recommended this island to you. But with a young little one, it would be dangerous for you. On the first day, we arrived at Mersing half an hour late, just to realized that the boat has left without us. We had 2 options, pay for another speed boat or stay at some dingy hotel for a night till tomorrow. Wondering and wandering, we decided to go to our island. I am glad we decided on that. The island was truly therapeutic.
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This is where we stayed. Lovely place. The beach volleyball court beacons.
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More of our resort. Spend my mornings at the beach. Where is Daniel?
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This is Daniel's fave place - the jetty and the blue sea. He is fishing with a vengeance. Oops, think I interrupted his concentration. This didn't stop. We did fishing at night and caight a squid. That captivated Daniel for a long time to come. He still hasnt stop talking about it. Sigh...
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Now you see the squids....
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Now you don't. Burp!
On the 3rd day, I decided to ban Daniel from fishing. It became a little obsessive. We decided to explore the island. There were many treasures on the island. It is no wonder. The Lord provides in abundance in His creation and landscape.
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Daniel the explorer and me the photographer.
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Daniel and the huge rocks.
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Daniel and the process of discovery.
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Haha! Eureka. Oysters on the rock. And they taste like the real thing! Yummy!
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Found yet another delicacy. Sea Cucumbers! It was truly a wonderful day of discovery. These villagers really have nothing lacking. They can eat all the oysters and sea cucumber they want, live by the beach, away from the stresses of life. What a privilege! That night ended with a storm and there was really a storm brewing back home.
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Saviour lead us, through the darkness of this world's delusive way
Unknown battles rage around us, be our light from day to day
Keep our eyes fix on Thee, so the shadows will flee
In our weakness, in our bleakness, lead us home.
Storm clouds are gathering, in the western sky
We're pilgrims on a journey, assigned from on high
There's a task here we see, so we'll keep trusting thee
Saviour lead us, Saviour lead us, lead us home.

Friday, September 02, 2005

Evening at the Istana

My first trip to the Istana. An eye-opening, congested experience. Glad to meet up with some new friends I made from OYEA.
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