Hillarys Boat Harbour

Our original plan for today was cancelled because of this sick mommy.  Staying at home and rest seems to be the best choice for now.  Well, health is more important, right?  Consoling myself, of course. 

Hubby brought the kids out to the nearby playground for some fun.  We also took the opportunity to do some laundry.  As for yours sincerely, I was asleep the whole day.  ALMOST the whole day. 

 Finally, when I felt a little better, we headed to Hillarys Boat Harbour.  Admiring the ocean view with the beautiful yachts and sailing boats; taking a gentle stroll along the coastline; and the little ones playing with the super soft white sand… A perfect day to chill out.

Knowing that yours sincerely has a sweet tooth, Bi Ee Ean brought us to the yummiest place on earth, San Churro – perfect for chocolate indulgence.  The long cinnamon doughnuts are crispy, served with 2 bowls of sinfulicious chocolate sauce.  This is simply irresistible!!!

In the evening, we made our way to Ji Ee's house (Andrew's aunt) for a family reunion dinner with the Lloyd's clan.  

Elyse and Erwyn were the only children during our last gathering.  But four years later, we had a room full of children.  Six, to be exact.  Ranging from 3 months old to 9 years old.  Such a big gap!  Children’s laughter filled the whole house, accompanied by all the chaos and mess.  Ji Ee graciously prepared a sumptuous meal for all sixteen of us.  It was a night to be remembered!

Caversham Wildlife Park

Caversham Wildlife Park.  Memory of yesteryears is still fresh as yesterday.  The kangaroos crowding around Erwyn was so comical and sweet; it was engraved so deeply into our memories.  Today, we hope to revive this memory again as we re-visited this park.

We reached the park around 9ish.  As we entered into this familiar zone, we were greeted by the lovely koalas.  No chance of carrying them, at least a gentle touch is guaranteed.  Little did we realize that this would be our last chance in this trip to have a picture with this Australian icon.

Next, we headed to the Farm Show.  The farmhand demonstrated to us how to shear a sheep; taught us on the different parts of the wool; and invited the crowd to participated in swinging the billy and crack a whip.  I was thrilled when Andrew was hand pick to swing a billy.  He was very reluctant but sporty enough to accept the challenge.  Elyse was selected to feed the lambs with milk bottles.  But be mentally prepared for the speed and intensity of these little lambs.  They sucked the bottles with such might as though they have been starving for ages!!!   Erwyn, however, was very upset that he was not chosen for this experience. 

The next attraction is ‘Wombat and Friends’.  We walk around the display of animals and birds, taking pictures and touching the reptiles and owls as instructed by the handlers.

At lunch time, we took a walk to Village Café, the only F&B at Whiteman Park.  There is a kiosk in the Caversham Park but the food option is limited and almost nothing for my two picky kids.  They do have a picnic area but we didn’t pack any food for lunch.  In Malaysia, you are never allowed to bring food into the theme park.  On the contrary, it is a common practice here.

Village Café - this is the same restaurant we had our lunch four years ago...*smile*...

The kids had fish and chips (what else?!) but Andrew ordered a kangaroo burger.  It tasted like venison, Andrew claims.

Next, we hop onto the Vintage Train Ride for a tour around the Whiteman Park.  Since this is the last train ride of the day, the conductor graciously offered us a generous discount on the train tickets.  For three adults 2 kids, we only paid for 1 adult and 2 kids.  The train took us around the outer rims of the park.  The excitement soon turned into boredom as the kids were worn out sitting in a low speed coach looking at bushes after bushes.  After the ride, both kids warned us not to bring them for such gruesome journey again.  LOL

Last but not least, the most fun bit of the park – feeding the kangaroos!!!  Since there is no specific timing for this, we left it to the finale.  We went back to the Caversham Park in anticipation for some fun time with these gorgeous marsupials.  However, to our frustration, there was no sight of them lurking around for food.  Instead, all of them were in their dreamland.  Looks like we missed their meal time and bump into their nap time.  We searched high and low for the few who were still half awake.  Like a nursing mother, gently we feed them with the tablets provided by the park little by little under the warm afternoon sun.  At last, we called it a day and retreated to our car and headed back home.

Memories remain as memories.  Though it was a bit disappointing, we treasured our moment spent in the park.  A hilarious moment when Erwyn talked to the kangaroos, “You all don’t remember me already.  Four years ago I feed you ler.  Come and eat lar.”  Oh my sweet little boy!

Then came the worst nightmare in this trip: I fell sick!  This was our 3^rd day in Perth and yet I felt discomfort in my throat since morning.  I drank lots of water yet to no avail.  Finally, I was down with fever, sore throat, running nose and cough.  With this, I ended my day on my sick bed feeling miserable, upset and worried.  Good night, Perth!  Hoping for the best the next day.

Yanchep National Park

Day 2:

Arise and shine!  Today we had an appointment with Yanchep National Park.  After enjoying our Aussie breakfast: cheese, milk, lamington and TimTam, we headed to our destination with much anticipation. 

A 45-minutes drive to the park, which led us to be the first ‘intruders’ to enter the Crystal Cave.  The group tour turned out to be a private tour as we were the only four.  The tour guide was very informative and funny, keeping the children pretty occupied.  The 200,000 years old cave (which is considered young for a cave) is nicely lit with LED for some of the prominent features.  There are neither bats nor any creepy crawlies in there.  Our eyes were glued to the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites structures whilst listening attentively to the history of the caves, and how the natural stream had dried up nearly 20 years ago.  The guide also pointed out to us the tiny roots from the Tuart trees on the surface above us which found its way into this hidden underground cave.  We thoroughly enjoyed the 45-minute tour.

After the tour, we proceeded to the Boardwalk to view the koalas.  As usual, most of them were asleep.  Hubby wished he could enjoy such a nice life as well, just ‘eat, sleep, eat, sleep’.  Remarkably, we saw a koala climbed down from one tree, walked across to the other tree, and climbed up to that tree and rest.  That’s a lot of action for a koala!!!

All barbecues in the park are free.  We brought along some sausages, buns and salad and had a little picnic near the lake.  After that, we wandered around simply indulging in the beauty of God’s creation before embarking on our journey back home.

The beginning of the sabbatical

The Sabbatical.  We have been anticipating this a year ago.  Plans were made.  Flight tickets were purchased.  But reality only came into existence when we board the plane and stepped foot on the kangaroo land.

This is our second visit to Perth.  Four years ago we bid our farewell to our dearest aunt when we visited this beautiful place.  Ah Gong was with us then.  Whilst our loved ones have gone to a better place, memories of them lingered on.

We left for Perth on 29^th June on a midnight flight.  Ps Danny has graciously offered to fetch us to Central Bus Station to catch a bus to KLIA 2.  The kids were excited with the public transport.  This isn’t their first time on a bus.  Kids being kids.  Perhaps they are too pampered with having a personal driver a.k.a Mommy to fetch them around.

We reached the airport pretty early as there was no later bus than 4pm.  Time moves at its slowest pace while waiting, don’t you agree?  Finally, we board our flight hoping to catch some sleep for a big day ahead of us.  But looks like it was just not our day.  The constant announcement by the pilot, warning us to buckle our seat belts blasted our ears as there was much turbulence throughout the journey. 

Eventually our exhaustion vanished when we saw a familiar face, Bi Ee Ean (Andrew's aunt's nickname), at Perth airport.  She has always been a special person in our lives; one who is close to our hearts.  We left the airport and took a ride back to her house; the temperature was around 18⁰C.  Freezing cold for all of us, except Andrew.  He embraced the cold with a big smile.

We nap for a couple of hours, waking up in time for lunch.  Subsequently, we headed out to a nearby shopping mall to stock up some daily essentials. 

In the evening, Andrew and I took a stroll around the neighborhood and the nearby playground.

This is Day 1 - Free and Easy.  The beginning of our long overdue holiday.

Church Camp 2017 version 2

The Church Family Camp 2017 officially kicked off on April 29th at Eagle Ranch Resort, Pork Dickson.   We were thrilled to have an overwhelming response of 145 church members signing up for this camp.  

As Pastor Andrew has been assigned to pastor WMC Segamat, we are privilege to have a big group of them joining us this year.  Such an honor to get together as one family of God.

Stepping foot on the resort takes one to a different world, the Wild Wild West.  The scenery is set against a beautiful rustic cowboy town concept.  However, the uneven road and the stairs may cause a little inconvenience to the seniors.

Upon arrival, the campers gathered around for Ice Breaking activities.  Campers were divided into 5 groups, i.e. Blue Kingfisher, Yellow Hornbill, Green Hummingbird, Red Flamingo and Brown Eagle.  Laughter and smile filled the hall as we exchanged stories to earn points for our group.   

After the Ice Breaker, we retreated to our rooms to rest and freshen up.  Most of the campers were staying in the bandwagon whilst some of us stayed in the Log Cabin.  The open sky shower is definitely the highlight of the Log Cabin.  I was privileged to enjoy the showers of blessing from heaven as it began to rain while I was taking my bath.  Elyse was thrilled with this unique bathroom feature.  She would rather shower under the cold water as the water flowed down from the artificial rock like a waterfall.

As mealtime approached, we charged the dining hall, D’Barrel F&B outlet, to have our meal. While many of us indulged in the food paradise, the worship team gobbled their food with haste as they needed to be at the hall early to prepare for the session.  Thank you for your sacrifices!

“Soaring higher, rooting deeper” That is the theme for our church camp this year.  There were 4 teaching sessions altogether.  The camp speaker, Rev Dr Jeremiah Yap from New Life Restoration Centre, shed light to us on the Word of God.  He was funny, down to earth yet his passion for the kingdom of God is undoubtedly revealed.  He spent much time praying and ministering to the campers.  Many were touched by God in a tangible way. 

The children, on the other hand, were well taken care of.  The camp committees outsourced two teachers from another church to conduct children ministry during the teaching session.  The kids enjoyed the story telling time, craft sessions and many other activities.

During our activity time on the second day, the campers were divided into 2 groups.  The young and energetic were ushered to the field to play telematch under the scorching sun.  Touted as the best team building resort, a variety of games were organized by the resort such as Flour Face Sweet Hunter, Water Balloon Catch, Wooden Horse Riding Polo, Rubber Band with Straw Race and etc. 

The rest of us who preferred to take a back seat in the air-cond room were given a task to learn a dance routine within a limited time.  Both of my kids had a good sweat under the sun in the telematch whereas yours sincerely took delight in the Latin dance, Cha Cha.  As for Andrew, he was one of the judges in the dancing competition.  Don’t worry.  He showed no favoritism to any groups.  Not even his wife's.  We had a good laugh, an entertaining time; and what surprised me more was many among us are pretty good dancers!!!  Time to recruit them for dancing ministry in church!

During our free time, some of us tried out Go-Kart.  Perhaps a little taste of F1 racing albeit in a smaller scale?  Feeling the adrenaline rush by negotiating the curves at high speed.  Well, I have to do it twice since my kids are too young to drive it on their own.  

The resort is packed with many outdoor activities, such as horse riding, obstacle course, paintball, basketball and etc.  Your free time may not be so free after all!

Besides all the fun, the task master a.k.a. yours sincerely had a little extra activity for the tambourine dancers after the night sessions everyday.  We stayed back in the hall to practice and rehearse our dance for the Mother’s Day performance, which was in two weeks’ time.  Though we did not have much time to prepare for this performance, we did it quite well.  Sweet and simple. 

Overall, I had such a good time in the camp.  Love the bonding with church members; the exciting competitions among the groups; and the sharing of God’s words.  My only complain is: There are so many lizards in my room!  As much as I love nature, these creatures just gets on my nerves.

So long, farewell!  See you next year! 

* This article was published in the Berita Gereja WMC Melaka.  

Church Camp 2017 version 1

I always love camps!  This year, I reckon this is one of the best camps I have attended in the last couple of years.  One simple reason: I am OFF DUTY!!! 

My mom had decided to join our camp this year.  It was so last minute.  Thankfully, Susan managed to squeeze her in with some phone calls.  By saying ‘off duty’ I mean: I was off duty as a mom; my mom took over my role and took care of my kids. I do not need to rush from the main hall to the children hall every now and then; neither do I need to hurry back to the room after each session to see to the needs of my kids.  My mom did it all for me!

The camp officially kicked off on April 29^th at Eagle Ranch Resort, Pork Dickson.   This is my second time here as a few years ago I was invited to run the children ministry in this place.

We are honored to have a group of Wesleyan from Segamat to join us this year.

Upon arrival, the campers gathered around for some Ice Breaking activities.  Campers were divided into 5 groups, i.e. Blue Kingfisher, Yellow Hornbill, Green Hummingbird, Red Flamingo and Brown Eagle.  Erwyn and I were in the Red team, whereas hubby and Elyse were assigned to Blue team.

Every individual were given a point card.  They were to share with another individual from another group the most interesting and embarrassing moment in their lives.  In turn, that individual needed to guess which stories is true, which is not.  If they guess correctly, they earn a point; if not, they loose their point card.

Amanda was crowned the winner as she earned the highest individual point - 5 points.  Charis and yours sincerely earned 4 points each, which ranked us as the second highest winners.  

After the Ice Breaker, we retreated to our rooms to rest and freshen up.  Most of the campers were staying in the bandwagon whilst some of us stayed in the Log Cabin.  The open sky shower is definitely the highlight of the Log Cabin.  I was privileged to enjoy the showers of blessing from heaven as it began to rain when I was taking my bath.  Elyse was thrilled with this unique bathroom feature.  She would rather shower under the cold water as the water flowed down from the artificial rock like a waterfall.

As mealtime approached, we went to D’Barrel F&B outlet to have our meal.  Mommy had to leave the kids to the care of the Daddy as she was involved in the worship team that evening.  It was a sacrifice for the team members to gobble down their dinner and be at the hall early to prepare for the night session.

“Soaring higher, rooting deeper” That is the theme for our church camp this year.  There were 4 teaching sessions altogether.  The camp speaker was funny, down to earth yet his passion for the kingdom of God is undoubtedly revealed.  He spent much time praying and ministering to the campers.  Many were touched by God in a tangible ways. 

The children, on the other hand, were well taken care of.  The camp committees outsource two teachers from another church to conduct children ministry during the teaching session.  The kids enjoyed story telling time, craft session and many other activities.

photo courtesy of Siang Ling

On the second day, the campers were divided into 2 groups.  The young and energetic ones were ushered to the field to play telematch.  A variety of games were organized by the resort.  A little mishap when one of the church members knocked her forehead and had a cut.  The rest of us who preferred to take a back seat in the air-cond room were given a task to learn a dance movement within a time limit.  Both of my kids had a good sweat under the sun in the telematch whereas yours sincerely took delight in the Latin dance, Cha Cha.  How about hubby?  He was one of the judges in the dancing competition.  Well, don’t worry.  He had no favoritism for any group.  Not even his wife's.  We had a good laugh, an entertaining time; and what surprised me more was many among us are pretty good dancers!!!  Time to recruit them for dancing ministry in church!

During our free time, some of us tried out go-kart.  Perhaps a little taste of F1 racing albeit in a smaller scale?  Feeling the adrenaline rush by negotiating the curves at high speed.  Well, I have to do it twice since my kids are too young to drive it on their own. 

There are many outdoor activities the resort offers: horse riding, obstacle course, paintball, basketball and etc.  Your free time may not be so free after all!

Besides all the fun, the task master aka yours sincerely had a little extra activities for the tambourine dancers after the night sessions everyday.  We stayed back in the hall to practice and rehearse our dance for the Mother’s Day performance, which was in two weeks’ time.  A side note: Though we did not have much time to prepare for this performance, we did it quite well.  Sweet and simple. 

Overall, I had such a good time in the camp.  Love the bonding with church members; the exciting competitions among the groups; and the sharing of God’s words.  My only complains is: There are so many lizards in my room!  As much as I love nature, these creatures just gets on my nerves.

So long, farewell!  See you next year!

p/s: Most of the photos are courtesy from Khai Chew.