怡保一游

好久以前就很想去座落于怡保的Tasik Cermin。上网查看时，犹言众口一辞，这里风景迷人，仿佛世外桃源。终于在2021年1月1日，我的梦想实现了！

 

由于老公职责所在，他必须去怡保一趟。我趁此机会偕同儿女与君伴游。

到达怡保的第一个景点是Gunung Lang Recreation Park.  虽然这不是我们的首选，但地点是我们必经之地。所以我们就顺道停下来逛一逛。不巧的是，星期五中午12点到下午3点是穆斯林教徒祈祷的时间，船只停止运作。而休闲公园其实是在湖的对岸，想要过去就得买票坐船。大伙儿围绕在狭小的码头等候，哪有社交隔离呀！我们无意与众人相争，也不愿浪费仅有的时间在等待上，于是转身想离去。这时，身旁的小孩丢了一块面包到湖里。鱼儿争先恐后地游了过来，激起朵朵水花。一瞧之下，鱼儿身形超大，让我们大吃一惊。停下脚步，我们欣赏了一会儿，就此道别。

 

 

眼尖的儿子女儿在不远处发现刚开张不久的Petting Zoo. 老公和我犹豫片刻，终于还是妥协了。毕竟孩子们喜爱小动物，而现今居住在城市里的我们，家里只有几只小鱼做为宠物陪伴左右。

Petting zoo的规模不算大，但满足了孩子们的期望。接下来，我们一同前往我心仪已久的Tasik Cermin.  

Tasik Cermin 果然名不虚传。穿越了一个大约150公尺的黑暗隧道后，映入眼帘的是碧绿的湖水与葱绿的树木围绕左右。这隐藏的幽谷，让我顿然想起武侠小说里武功盖世的高人居住的秘境。而我则在机缘巧合下得以寻访此地，目睹其风姿。

得偿所愿后，我们入住Regalodge Hotel. 巧的是，在那里遇到老公职场上的另一个战友。夫妻俩也是来参加会议。更匪夷所思的是，他们的房间竟然在我们客房的旁边。

Regalodge Hotel 房间品质不错，地点极佳，又附带早餐，价格非常优惠。美中不足的是，它的抽水马桶偏低。

来怡保当然少不了品尝道地的芽菜鸡、河粉、和清脆可口的豆芽。这就是我们的晚餐啦。

隔天，我们见证了Pastor Jonathan, Pastor Lester 和 Pastor William 正式被按立，委任并差遣牧养上帝的教会；心中十分感慨。愿上帝赐福与他们！在事奉的道路上力上加力，恩上加恩，为上帝的国度发光发热；上帝与他们同在！

 

Who am I?

Recently I came across an article “Reach out to your new pastor’s wife” (https://justmoved.org/reach-new-pastors-wife/) It was a survey done on the pastor’s wife and their feedback.  I laugh about it as I read it, but deep down I couldn’t help to agree most if not all.

What do you wish the congregation would know about you?

• The church hired my husband, not me. I’m not his secretary or courier.
• I’m a real person and not perfect or always have it all together. I have the same fears, struggles, insecurities, and flaws as everyone.
• I’m a person, not an entity.
• I’m a member of the church with gifts and abilities just like everyone else. I don’t necessarily have more gifts or abilities.
• I have bad days too.
• What I look like and how I worship and respond to the message or the service is not a subject for comment or gossip.
• Who I’m married to doesn’t define who I am.
• I’m learning right alongside everyone else and I don’t have all the answers.
• Treat me as you would want to be treated. I’m just another Christian woman doing the best she can to follow Jesus.
• Don’t assume I’m too busy; let me be the judge of my schedule.
• I may not know all the details about every church event. I also may not attend every church event.
• Don’t view our relationship as one in which I meet your needs.
• Don’t put unrealistic expectations on me to know all the “right” answers, quote a Bible verse every time we talk, be “perfect”, or have it all together.
• No two pastors’ wives are the same. Some love having others in their homes, some sing, some love leading, some are very out-going, others want to be in the background or are shy and don’t like large groups. Some find it difficult to build relationships. Just as all women are unique, so are pastors’ wives. Have realistic expectations of your pastor’s wife.

Sunday mornings for a pastor’s wife:

• I’m essentially a single mom on Sunday, which makes that day more stressful for me. My husband leaves two hours earlier than the rest of the family and I need to get the kids ready, arrive on time, and show up at church with a smile, and expected to encourage and offer gentle wisdom to every congregation member I run into.
• Sundays can be very lonely as a pastor’s wife. I look around at other families who are able to worship together. It’s something I long for, but will not have.

 
I am glad to know that there are so many pastors' wife out there who are facing the same struggles as me and it's nothing wrong for me to feel this way.  However, I do wish for a mentor who can be there for me guiding me through this journey.  
 I am grateful for church members who have extended their warm hand of fellowship to me and make me feel who I am.  Nevertheless, it is a lonely journey and only God whom I can confide with.  I am thankful I have a loving husband who tries his best to be there for me.  Of course, my two beautiful kids who filled my days with laughter and memories.


Given a choice, perhaps I wouldn't choose this path again.  Yet I know that every life experience is a learning curve.  Now it is up to me to allow it to mold me to become more Christlikeness or bring me down. 


How about you?

On Fire

Ever wonder when will your house be burned down?  Just recently, I came so close to such experience.

It was just another afternoon.  Andrew was in the office.  Elyse was in school attending Robotics.  Erwyn and I were at the dining table; I was coaching him on his homework.  My mom was with us the past few days.  As usual, she practically forbid me from doing any household chores and cooking.  So, I don't step into the kitchen whenever she is around.

Lunch was over but mom was still busy in the kitchen.  I didn't care much as she loves cooking; probably she is preparing snacks or dinner.  Not until I smelled something amiss.  I didn't want to make a fuss or interfere at what mom is doing, so I remained at the dining room.  The smell grew stronger.  And stronger.  Finally I left Erwyn and went into the kitchen.  Seeing that my mom was keeping the laundry, I opened the lid and wondered what was she boiling.  Noticed the water level was very low, I turned off the fire.

"Ma, what are you cooking?" I asked.  "Close the lid, close the lid!" she yelled back at me.  "I am cooking oil."  Although there are hundred of questions marks in my head, I obediently switched on the fire to low and closed the lid back.  I convinced myself that mom knows what is she doing, just let her be; I went back to Erwyn and continue on with our study.

Minutes later, I smelled the burning smell again.  Even Erwyn also asked me what is grandma cooking.  Since I have interfered the first time, I didn't want to barge in again.  I waited and waited.  By now, the whole house is full of burning smell.  I wonder did our neighbor smell it or not. 

Finally, I went back to the kitchen with no signs of mom.  So, I opened the lid again to check.  I was expecting to see a black pot.  Smoke maybe.  But to my horror, there's an open flame!  I turned off the stove and reached out for a bigger pan lid and close the pot, hoping that this may cut off the oxygen supply.  But the fire continued to burn inside the pot.  At the same time, I called for Erwyn to give Daddy a ring so that he may be home to assist.  My dear Erwyn took the phone to me instead.  I guess he was panicked and didn't know how to make calls at such a moment.  Dialing Andrew and thank God, he picked up the phone swiftly.  He might have rushed back but to me it took him forever to be home. 

The pastor of the church may have never thought of his wife would be capable of burning down the church.  It would be a big news!  After all, we only moved here 4 months ago.  Andrew seemed lost at what to do initially.  Finally, he recalled there's a fire extinguisher outside at the lift and made use of it.

Thank God that the fire is put off and no one was hurt in this accident.  Looking back, this is our very first encounter with a real fire senario.  I am grateful to God that recently I saw a clip on why we shouldn't pour water onto a grease fire.  If not, more harm could be done. 

Grandma's passing

After 3 weeks of food gallivanting, Bi Ee Ean finally bid us farewell and returned to Adelaide on April 1st.  The same day, mom came over from JB.  The timing was excellent as Andrew would be away for Pastors' School for the next 3 days.

One of the advantages of moving to KL is my eldest aunt is staying in Puchong.  So, after staying with us for a couple of days, my mom went over to stay with her for a few days before returning on Wednesday morning.  With the help of the GPS, I managed to fetch her back all by myself.    

But at midnight mom received a call from my aunt.  Grandma was hospitalized and my uncle planned to make a trip to Segamat at 6am that morning.  So, I drove my mom over to my aunt's place at 5am and back in time to prepare the kids to school.

Apparently Grandma complained she was suffering from breathing diffculty and finally they sent her to hospital that evening.  She went into coma the following morning.  However, later that evening she woke up.  But her condition worsen on Saturday and the doctor advised to pull the plug by Sunday morning. 

When I heard that saddening news on Saturday evening, I decided to make a trip down on Sunday morning.  Again, this was the first time I drove all the way to Segamat from KL all by myself.  The kids were with me.  Andrew was preaching on Sunday morning hence couldn't come along.  We reached Segamat around 11:15am.  However, around 10:40am my sis called me and said grandma has passed away. 

I stayed for awhile before making my way back to KL again as Elyse has handbell performance that evening.  We left at 1:15pm and estimated to arrive at 4:30pm.  It was quite rushing as 5pm is the service.  Elyse managed to grab a bite before running over to join the handbell.  Meanwhile, I contacted her teacher to ask about taking a day off from school on Tuesday.  Usually it isn't an issue but coindentally she is sitting for her exam these two weeks. 

Monday morning Andrew had to conduct a funeral for a church member.  Children went to school as usual but they skipped the afternoon class.  We left KL around 2pm and reached Segamat at 5pm.  The wake and funeral were done according to Buddhist rite.  We didn't join the rite but simply stayed put.  I am utterly surprised to see not many of my cousins turned up for the wake and funeral services.  At the same time, the family is more open-minded now.  Not forcing anyone of us who are Christian to join the ceremony.  It wasn't so when my grandpa passed away.  My sis and I helped with the collection of the 'pek kim' (donation for the deceased family) that evening.

Andrew took off so he needed to inform the church office the reason.  Ps Ricky asked the office to send a wreath and he told the LCEC about it.  But since Andrew only told them on Monday evening, he was afraid that the wreath couldn't be delivered in time as the next day noon we were leaving for burial.  So, he told the office no need to send.  A few church members passed the 'pek kim' to me and conveyed their condolences.  For that I am grateful.

Tuesday morning, more chanting and buddhist rite but finally we left for the burial ground at 12:30pm.  Grandpa was also buried at the same place.  This was my first time visiting grandpa's tomb after he passed away when I was 12. 

Came back around 3pm and rushed back to KL immediately.   Tiring trip and Erwyn fell ill on Wednesday evening.  He had a temperature hence didn't go to school on Thursday.  Andrew is also not feeling well. It's Holy Week and many services ahead.  But I am glad to be there with the family at this moment of grief.

CNY 2018

Happy CNY!

This year we didn’t go back to JB coz my mom was in Segamat.  One of my cousins had her wedding banquet during CNY in Segamat.  My mom was happy to attend whilst Andrew and I decided not to go because we didn’t really like to go for this kind of social event.  Both of us are introvert and anti-social, I guess.  And after all, I don’t think I am invited.  hahaha….

Nevertheless, we did feel a bit sentimental. We missed those good old days where my MIL would cook a presumptuous traditional Penang meals for reunion.  The feeling was soon dismissed when some church members heard that we were around during CNY, they invited us over to their house for reunion instead.  

One of them was an elderly lady who is from Penang.  Sometime ago we visited her when she was hospitalized and found out that she carried the same rare surname as my MIL.  She warmly welcome us to join her family for a big feast in this festive season.  Since her son has a duty call in the evening, the reunion dinner was set at 4pm.  We thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and the kids have fun playing with each other.  The old structure of the house brought back some fond childhood memories to me as well.

Then we went to another house at 7pm for a second round of reunion dinner.  He is one of the leaders in church.  Usually they have open house on CNY but not this year.  Instead, the couple has decided to invite a few of us who have no where else to go during CNY for a small scale dinner.  It was really thoughtful of him.

Yee Sang, specially custom-made by the lady of the house.  Take a closer look, you may spot the face of a puppy. 

On the first day of CNY, we did quite a bit of spring cleaning and moving of furniture.  Yours sincerely has this weird habit of re-positioning the furnitures once in awhile to give a fresh look to the house.  At the same time, it helps to keep things neat and tidy.  Both kids are sharing room for now as they still could not let go of their many many boxes of toys.  Nevertheless, they love their new room setting though I find it a bit crowded.

Then we visited 3 families in the afternoon - Pastor Danny, one of Andrew's DG's members and my ex-secondary school friend.  Andrew wanted the children to have a taste of how it is like to pay a visit to friends and relatives from house to house as in the Chinese custom.  Unfortunately, he only managed to engaged two appointments.  My friend's house was a bonus as we only made the arrangement on that morning itself.

The next morning,we left Melaka and found ourselves in Shah Alam Botanical Garden for an adventurous outdoor activity - Skytrex Adventure.  Never knew the Botanical Garden is so well known.  We reached there around 10.30am and it was packed with people.  The car park was full and the queue to enter the park was at least 200 meters long.  There was a Skytrex counter right in the middle of the park entrance, we registered with the person in charge and he took us passed through the crowds of people.  Phew!!! We are absolutely thankful for that.

The Skytrex site is located 5 minutes away from the entrance via the open air shuttle bus.  After signing the indemnity form, we were secured with a half-body harness.  We proceeded to the "Initiation" platform whereby an instructor briefed us on the safety gears and how to operate them.  After a trial run, the real adventure began.

We took the easiest course 'The Little Adventure' which is suitable for the young ones.  There are 23 challenges in this circuit.  All challenges are only 5m above ground.  Both kids love the flying fox as it is the least effort with maximum thrill.  I didn't manage to capture many photos as I was a little concern about dropping my phone.  Surprisingly, there wasn't a single mosquito bite throughout our 2.5hours stay. We found out later that there is another two additional parks operated by Skytrex as well; one in Melaka, another one in Langkawi.  Looks like we have found ourselves another exciting place to go in Melaka during our next holiday.  Anybody wants to join us?

After all the work out in Skytrex, we retreated to our 'home' for the next 3 days.  Andrew had booked a 4-star hotel room with only RM130 per night.  We thought this is a really good deal, with complimentary breakfast for two.  Kids really loved it.  The room is spacious and clean, though it may be a bit unfashionable.  After freshening up, we visited a family friend in the evening.  It has been awhile since we visited her, yet she always took the trouble to welcome us with a warm fellowship. 

The next day we went to Chiling waterfall.  The last time we visited we only managed to reach River Crossing 2.  This time we advanced to River Crossing 3.  The water current was slightly strong as it rained the night before.  There are altogether 6 river crossing.  The fun of this place is the huge quantify of fish swimming around you.  Kids love to feed them.  Elyse was somewhat disappointed that we didn't manage to reach the waterfall; Erwyn doesn't seem to be bothered by it as long as he can feed the fish; I am just happy with where we were; spending time together outdoor, enjoying nature.

Day 3 - We visited two new shopping malls in Klang Valley, Sunway Velocity and My Town. Love the decorations in both malls.  The management of Sunway Velocity even assigned staffs to assist in photo-taking.  But we preferred My Town over Velocity as kids have some fun playing indoor bumper car and riding on electric animal ride.

So, that's the end of our CNY holiday.  Simple, fun, tiring... but beautiful memories.

Summary of year 2017 - First half of the year

Another year has passed. Now follow me to walk down the memory lane...

January 2017

Bidding farewell to Elyse's and Erwyn's favourite Jie Jie and Gor Gor in church 

as both of them furthered their studies overseas.

In recent years, both children have acquainted themselves with these two youth in church.

It's difficult to stay 'goodbye' but children need to learn that it is part and parcel of the journey of life.

After all, we still see them once or twice a year.

Celebrated Andrew's birthday with church office staff.

It was indeed so kind and thoughtful for the office staff to make this day a special time

where delicious food and happy moments were shared together.

Elyse participated in a calligraphy competition at Tmn Merlimau

and won the consolation prize.
For more details, please click here

February 2017

   First time visited the A Famosa Freeport after its grand opening in January 2016.

It was just hubby and me.  Part of our 'pak tuo' time together.

After all, it's difficult to shop with kids.

But later in the year we did bring the kids to this place.

March 2017

After the snake intrusion incident, the leadership of the church decided to secure the parsonage with the construction of a wall around the house.

Ps Danny brought us to the famous cendol stall - Aunty Koh cendol.

The cendol is yummy, but Andrew and I still prefer the SS15 cendol.

First kayaking experience for all 3 except yours sincerely at Redtma Adventure Park Tasik Ayer Keroh.

We also tried the electric boat, wall climbing and flying fox subsequently.

Fun place, but extremely hot.  Consolation: No mosquitoes bite. Affordable pricing.

 

Joyous occasion for Nicholas and Karen's wedding.
They are the first couple to get married in the Young Adults' DG led by hubby.

 Erwyn received another love letter from a kindy friend.  LOL

Little did we know, this was only the beginning of many many more to come.

Then, he began to exchange presents with his classmates.

I'm so glad that he enjoyed his kindergarten time.

Treasure the moment for this would be his last year.

 Family getaway at Bukit Gambang Resort, Kuantan.

For more details of this trip, please click here for part 1 and here for part 2

April 2017

Another 'pat tuo' time for hubby and I.  Since hubby traveled to Segamat weekly and passed by this place, he decided to bring me for a short hiking trip to Gunung Ledang Waterfall on his off day.

Click here to find out more about this trip.

After staying in Melaka for 5 years, this is the first time we visited St. Paul's Hill as a family.
Erwyn came here with his kindy before; Elyse explored here as a SS small group outing;
and parents dropped by "pat tuo".
A short hike became an excursion when we found out there are 5 museums here.

Car accident - I was sandwiched between a Toyota Hilux and Myvi.

 Interested to read more about it? Click here

May 2017

Received free tickets to a circus performance.
Children had a lovely evening enjoying the show.

Celebrated Erwyn's birthday at kindy and church.

Church Camp

Wanna read more?  Click here

Tambourine dancers performed on Mother's Day.
A lyrical dance to the song "A Mother's Love' by Gena Hill

Joyous occasion for Eu Ann & Liszen's wedding - 
second wedding in the year from Young Adults' DG.

June 2017

Commencement of Andrew's 3-months Sabbatical Leave
Click here to read more about it.

 Perth Adventure:

Visited Crystal Cave at Yanchep National Park (click here), Cavershem Park (click here),
Hillarys Boat Harbour (click here), Fremantle & Elizabeth Quay (click here) and Ikea (click here).

Adelaide Adventure:

Visited Hahndorf (click here); joined a whale watching tour at Victor Harbour (click here);
climbing/jumping fun at Latitude (click here); watched Disney On Ice: Frozen (click here).

Melbourne Adventure:

Visited Great Ocean Road, Makenzie Fall and Lake Mountain.

Sunday School small group outing - the children requested to watch the movie, Transformer: The Last Knight.  And thereafter we had McD for dinner.

To be continued...

舞向彩虹

自小我对舞蹈情有独钟。当我看到电视机里的舞者翩翩起舞时，我禁不住幻想着自己是他们的一份子。印象中，我把彩带绑在一根树枝上；而客厅转变成我的舞蹈室。即使没有音乐的陪衬下，我毅然摇摆着手中的树枝，从客厅的一端蹦蹦跳跳的到另一端去。当然，害羞的我，只有在家中无人时才卸下戒备，自取其乐。

当小女有意参加芭蕾舞训练班时，我心中雀跃万分。希望自己无法达成的愿望，小女能够代为完成。参加训练班的几个月后，我偶然发现导师在一年前刚刚举办了一场盛大的芭蕾舞表演。失望之际，即期待着下一次的表演。也许，届时小女也可参与其中。

好景不常在。女儿似乎没有遗传到我热爱舞蹈的基因。当然，我也没有强迫她。于是一年后，小女与芭蕾舞画上了休止符。而我，也悄悄地把这一切埋葬在心里。

三年过去了，我偶然得知教会里其中一位跳铃鼓的女孩参与一项芭蕾舞表演。四处打听下，毅然发现这就是我期待已久的表演。欣喜交加下，心里即暗暗地盼着那一天的到来。

导师在两年的严厉督促下，“舞向彩虹”(Romancing the Rainbow) 终于准备就绪，开始兜售门票。这时，我却感到一丝丝的茫然。我是否独自一人前去观看表演，或是邀请伙伴随之同行？夫君当然是最佳人选。但是，知夫者乃妻也。外子对舞蹈没有任何兴趣；何况票价稍微偏高。何必赔了夫人又折兵？

万念俱灰之时，一位会友询问我小女是否有兴趣观摩此表演。当时我顽皮地回复他：身为人母的我，比女儿更为之心动。会友二话不说，立马买了四张入们票送了给我们。收到门票时，心中除了开心；还是开心。

一月七日，“舞向彩虹” 终于掀开序幕。我贪婪地捕捉每个舞者那婀娜多姿，轻盈优美，舞姿妙曼地舞步。此表演详细地介绍了十九世纪，二十世纪，以及二十一世纪各种芭蕾舞的精锐。

This dance spectacle showcases 19th Century European character dance, Classical Ballet from the turn of the 20th Century, _Les Sylphides_ from the Post-Romantic Age, Modern Ballet from the 21st Century and much more.

The diversity of this show, as pointed out by Principal Tan Siow Siew, allows both the students and the audience to be exposed to different Classical Ballet genres.

（Taken from ‘Romancing the Rainbow’ Facebook page）

无可否认，导师和学生们的表演无懈可击。但个人认为，如果能够把这一切元素都连贯成一个故事，那将会使该次表演更加锦上添花。在此，我向每一位参与表演的舞者致敬。谢谢你们的付出，使 “舞向彩虹”完满落幕。