'No Apologies' Youth Camp

Cameron Highlands, there’s where we spent our Malaysia Day this year.   TMC PJ has invited Andrew to speak in their ‘No Apologies’ Youth Camp, touching on the topic – God is my Match-maker. 

After loading our bags in the car, excitingly we left TI.  Erwyn slept through the entire journey while Elyse was awake all the time.  My mom and I felt asleep one hour later.  Elyse was such a good girl, she played by herself from then on.

We reached Cameron around 3pm.  It was raining.  The weather was cold.  What surprised us most was the road to the Highland Christian Center, the place where we would be staying, was under construction due to a landslide.  All the cars were parked a distance away and people needed to walk up the hill by foot.  With two young kids and 5 bags to carry, not to mention the rain and only one umbrella in the car, we set off the adventure.  Well, not all at one time though, Andrew made a few trips and later with the help of Grace, one of the organizing committee members, finally we arrived safely.

Our room was located at the second floor and all 4 of us, my mom, Elyse, Erwyn and me, snuggled in our bed after settling down.  Hmm, where was Andrew then?  Poor Daddy, after a 2-hour tiring drive and strenuous exercising by walking up and down the hill for three times, he headed to the hall to minister to the youth immediately.  One would say that being a pastor is not easy.  Apparently being a pastor and a husband and a father is certainly tough and demanding.

We had a good night sleep with Erwyn sleeping from 12 midnight until the next morning 7:30am without waking up at all in between for feeding.  Ahh, not all of us.  Elyse insisted to sleep on the top bunk with Daddy while Mommy, Erwyn and Grandma slept on the lower bunk.  The top bunk was only a single size mattress and Elyse is not at all a nice sleeper.  She kicked and squeezed Daddy the whole night through. 

We left for Kea Farm around 11:30am but the traffic was really bad until it was bumper to bumper from Brinchang all the way to Kea Farm.  We grabbed some vegetables and flowers.  It was very crowded and the prices were slightly more expensive than the previous time we came.  Looks like the people there took advantage of the holiday season and raised the price.

Right after the Kea Farm, we went for lunch in a restaurant at Tanah Rata.  This was the same restaurant we came for steamboat on our previous trip.  However, it was disappointing that after the waitress has taken our order, instead of cooking our dishes, the chef prepared dishes for a tourist bus group who arrived later than us.  We waited for so long until we complained to the lady boss.

We left Cameron Highlands at 3pm and reached TI around 5pm plus.  This time, Elyse and Erwyn were both sleeping soundly the entire journey.  Unlike Cameron, the weather at TI is warm and humid.  We certainly missed the cold breeze and fresh air up the hill.

The youth from TMC PJ would only go back on Sunday.  We hope that Andrew has ministered to them and the camp was helpful in admonishing them to live a consecrated life for God.

Andrew speaking to the youth

Erwyn resting on the bed

Elyse with her funny face

a photo taken by Elyse - not bad huh?

nice family photo

Daddy playing with Elyse on the top bunk of the bed

Mid Autumn Festival

Mid Autumn Festival is one festival I enjoyed the most when I was young.  My siblings and I used to light the lanterns and candles all around our house compound.  I simply love to see when a candle light flicker as a gentle eerie breeze blow on it in the night.  It creates a mysterious and romantic scene.  And the light a candle produces is warm, unlike the natural sunlight or a bulb.  and more excitingly than ever, that is the only time we, young kids, were allowed to play with fire.

Few days before the Lantern Festival, I happened to read a brochure printed by The Summit Subang USJ.  They were organising a Lantern Parade and it was opened to the public.  Eagerly I brought Elyse to participate in this parade.

Upon arrival, there were already many children and parents waiting impatiently at the main entrance of the mall.  After registering Elyse at the counter, I noticed many of them came from Smart Reader Kids.  We were entertained by the MC for about half an hour.  At one point, Elyse almost wanted to quit as she was getting restless after such a long waiting time.

A photo taken by one of the helpers from the Organiser while we were waiting.  It is a bit blur though.  : (

Finally we were instructed to light up the candles in the lanterns holding in our hand.  The paper lantern was provided by the organizer.  However, some children brought their own fancy lanterns with them.  The children from the Smart Reader Kids matched ahead, followed by the public.  Elyse and I were among the last to leave. 

Holding a lantern in her hand

Looking at the candle

It was the first time for Elyse to hold a lantern.  She happily walking around the compound of the mall with lantern in her hand.  But towards the end her hands were tired thus I helped her with the lantern.  It was about 15 minutes walk, from the external car park to the first and second floor of the complex.  One incident occurred whereby a man carried Elyse down the staircase when he saw that she was walking too slowly.  I thought Elyse would reject his kind action, instead Elyse was laughing.  She felt as though suddenly she was picked up and flew down the staircase, she said.

After the parade, we were ushered to the main concourse and children were given a treat from the McDonald Happy Meal set - a chicken burger, a packet of French fries, a cup of Coke and most importantly, a toy!  For the next half an hour, laughter and exhilaration filled the air as the clown amused the crowd with his jokes and tricks.  He also did some balloon sculptures, juggling and entertained us with puppets.

Sitting at the main concourse enjoying her Happy Meal

The Organiser expected around 150 kids

Elyse doesn’t like clown though.  Only once or twice she bust out laughing.  Other times she remained quiet.  Since we were sitting at a distance from the stage, it was difficult for her to watch clearly.  She wanted to leave earlier but I persuaded her to stay until the end.

The clown entertaining the crowds

Finally each kid were given a goodie bag followed by a photograph session.  Again, children from the Smart Reader Kids went first followed by the public.  Elyse did not want to take the goodie bag from the clown but I managed to convince her to do so.  I assured her that she does not need to shake hands with the clown, just take the bag and go as there were too many kids.

The joke of the day is the clown held Elyse’s hands during the photograph session.  Other kids may want to grab such opportunity to be near with the clown but not for Elyse.  I’m just thankful that Elyse did not shake away his hands and run back to me crying.

Holding the goodie bag in Elyse's hand, reluctantly she took a photo with the clown together with the kids from the public

Overall, it was a nice experience for both Elyse and I.  This is also my first time joining such public event.  It was a pity Andrew could not join us as he has a conference to attend to that night. 

Thoughtful girl

Travelling has been part of our lifestyles nowadays.  From TI to Subang then back to TI again.  We do this every 2 to 3 weeks apart.  And as a result I become an expert in packing all our baby stuff.  Every parent knows that when we have babies and toddlers, travelling is as though moving house.  From bottles to toys, every detail is essential.

Our last visit to Subang was planned on a Wednesday morning.  But finally we decided to travel a day earlier, after Andrew was back from work.  As I was occupied with all the last minute packing and Andrew was moving them into the car, Elyse was running around the house while Erwyn was on his cot.  Then Erwyn became restless and was making some noises.  He wasn’t crying, but just wanted some attention and perhaps to be cuddled.  Elyse heard him.  Seeing that both of us were busy, she climbed up to a chair (she couldn’t reach it) and switched on the musical mobile for Erwyn.  Although that did not calm Erwyn down, we were so amazed by Elyse’s thoughtfulness for her younger brother.

That’s not the end of the story though.  I asked Elyse to bring out a diaper so that she can wear it in the car during the journey.  She is potty trained now but since it is a 2-hour journey, finding a place to wee was the last agenda in our mind.  To my surprised she brought a few diapers out.  I told her we do not need so many.  Then she explained: One is for her to wear, one is to pack in the bag as spare, and another one is for Erwyn. 

Wow!  Isn’t Elyse wonderful?!! 

Erwyn is 3 months old!

Finally I have captured Erwyn with a big smile!

Just a glimpse of the eye, Erwyn has turned 3 months old.  He is quite a good baby so far.  Sleeping from 11pm till 10am the next day, with 3 feeds in between.  Each feed he takes in 120ml milk.  He usually poo every 2 days once.  He loves to suck his fingers.  He smiles when you play with him.  Kicking is his only exercise for now.  Bathing time is his favourite.  He likes to be carried around the house looking at his surrounding.  Watching her sister dancing and singing calms him down.  He is quite a talkative baby also.  His cry shakes the whole house down.  But that only happens when he's extremely hungry. 

We love you, Erwyn!  It's our joy seeing you growing little by little everyday.


p/s:  For those of you who are waiting for the answer on the 'Guessing Game' posted in July, well, I'm sure it is quite obvious by just looking at the date on the photo.

Picture 1 - Elyse one day old
Picutre 2 - Erwyn one day old
Picture 3 - Elyse one month old
Picture 4 - Erwyn one month old

Aren't the two of them look alike?

Some friends have commented that Elyse looks like Andrew and Erwyn looks like me.  But if the two of them look alike, does that indicate that Andrew and I look alike???

DUMC Children Church

Saturday is one day that Elyse is really looking forward to.  Why?  It is the day where she gets to go to Children Church in DUMC, provided that we are in Subang and not TI.  I thought of bringing Elyse there since long time ago.  But when I found out from Doreen that the Children Church is conducted in the afternoon during Elyse’s nap time, I hesitated.  Moreover, the youngest group is 3 years old.  So, it didn’t work out initially.

However, since 2 or 3 months ago Elyse started to nap later and later.  Finally she settles down at 4pm, or sometimes not at all.  Well, maybe it’s time for her to join the Children Church then.  After all, she is turning 3 soon!

The first time I intended to bring her to Children Church didn’t work out.  I mistaken that the Service started at 3pm and I left the house at 2:30pm.  Doreen, who is one of the helpers in the Children Church, clarified to me via a sms that it starts at 2:30pm.  I told Elyse (we were already in the car) that we were late and so Mommy would bring her elsewhere (since we both were dressed up, and I didn’t want to disappoint her).  We would only be going next week to the Children Church.  She was so upset that I could see tears in her eyes.

The following week we made it in time.  The hall was packed with children.  Each child received a sticker.  As for Elyse, she had 2 stickers because this was her first time.  Doreen welcomed us when we entered the hall.  It’s good to see a familiar face amongst the crowd.  We didn’t sit together with her age group though.  Just somewhere at a corner, more so like an observer.  The worship was led by Aunty Monica.  It lasted for half an hour.  Elyse was a bit restless towards the end.  She doesn’t know any of the songs.  She tried to follow the action in the beginning as I encouraged her but soon gave up as it was too fast and complicated for her age.  It wasn’t easy for me to follow either.

Then we were told to go to another room for teaching session.  There were games, story, drama, memory verse, and finally we were divided into small group.  Both of us were a bit disappointed because Elyse was not chosen to participate in any of the activities.  Well, it’s impossible to get every child to involve in one way or another because of the size of the group.  However, as this was Elyse’s first visit, I hope she would be given special privileges.  Half way through the teaching, Elyse wanted to go home but I persuaded her to stay a little longer.  I thought to myself: “Oh no, she is not interested.  This probably would be the first and last time we come.”  But when Elyse was given a nametag to wear during the small group, she was cheered up again!  Look how simple a child could be!

On our way back home, surprisingly Elyse told me she wanted to come again.  I was happy to hear that. 

Our second visit to DUMC Children Church was a few weeks later.  Again, Elyse and I sat on one corner during the worship.  It was Aunty Monica leading the worship again.  Elyse was able to follow some actions but she was absolutely happy when they sang ‘Jesus loves me this I know’ because finally, there’s one song that she knows how to sing!

During the teaching session, Elyse was totally thrilled when she was selected to throw the dice.  Then during the drama, all the children were participated including Elyse.  At the end, everyone was given a gold coin (chocolate).  Elyse was so glad that she was given 2 gold coins (Mommy supposed to get one also).  But we left early that day because we needed to fetch Ah Gong who was teaching a Bible class in TMC.

Our third visit was the following week.  It was a special week – Parents’ Appreciation Day.  I was looking around for Doreen when I suddenly saw her on stage!  Apparently she was one of the worship leaders that day.  Finally, we joined Elyse’s age group during the worship.  Well, I would love her to be part of the worship than just being an observer.  After the worship, all the children proceeded to 3 different locations for games and fun.  Elyse and I played lots of them, including Fishing game, Bob the Builder, Loop the nail, Board Games, Toilet Paper Toss, Ball In Cup, and Bounce & Score.  Although Elyse did not score at any of the games, we enjoyed the fun and for each game we participated, Elyse received a few small gifts – 2 bar of chocolates, a ruler, a few sweets, and a sharpener.

Although the crowd was enormous, we did not need to wait for too long in each station.  Thumbs up for the organizer.  Overall, we have a wonderful time playing games together.  My only regret is Andrew was not with us.  No pictures were taken because I was too busy running around with Elyse. 

Yummy fingers

Lately baby Erwyn enjoys sucking his fingers.

Although we have tried to give him a pacifier, he does not appreciates and spits it out immediately.  Looks like he still prefers his tiny fingers.   

Baby Erwyn also loves 'talking' to us.  Having a 'conversation' with him is certainly 'entertaining'.  Once in awhile, he will reward you with a 'real' smile.  Since birth, he has been smiling involuntarily.  But a real smile really make our day!  Those moments are simply priceless!



Church library

Whenever Mommy and Daddy brougt me back to Subang we will go to TMC PJ on Sunday.  Ah Gong and Ah Ma will attend the service in the sanctuary.  Nowadays baby brother also join them.  But most of the time baby brother just sleep through the service.  Mommy said last time I was also the same.  Slept through the entire preaching.  Hmm, maybe Pastor's voice is very soothing, like a lullaby???  LOL

As for me, I love to visit the library.  There are so many books there.  The books are well maintained.  Unlike the public library in TI.  Oops!

Ah Gong is entitled to borrow books from the library.  Each time we may borrow 3 books.