The tsunami that hit many parts of asia on boxing day was certainly a major disaster. When I found out about the news, I just couldn't believe it. The death toll has climbed beyond 100, 000. Houses destroyed, families torn apart, lives changed forever.
But from the devastation comes new hope. People have put aside their differences and have started contributing towards the relief efforts, many spending thousands of dollars to help people they never knew existed. Countries have suddenly put aside their differences and have offered aid to each other. Instead of focusing on needless wars killing innocent lives or focusing on politics of the world or focusing on day to day pleasure, the people of the world finally unite after such a long time to help the people affected by this tragedy.
This is God's way of telling us to always have hope, to always rely on the human spirit and always focus on what we have in common, instead of our differences.
To the individuals who have been affected greatly by tragedy, my heart goes out to you, really it does. I just lost a friend few weeks ago, and I know how devastating it is to lose a dear one. But I cannot fathom what it must be like to lose your way of life, your families and your homes all at the same time. This new years' eve, I pray that the Almighty give those affected peace and hope and also pray that the world never forgets the lessons of the need of unity, a lesson we have learnt from this disaster.
-HoZe-
Friday, December 31, 2004
Monday, December 27, 2004
ACM
Today my officer-in-charge let me go to the Asian Civilisation's Museum at Empress Place to do some research for him on museums! It was so cool. I used a special corporate card that allowed me to go inside for free! Yipee!
It was totally fantastic.... the displays were cool, the artefacts were amazing and the atmosphere was so condusive you actually felt that you were back in time.
I must admit though that it was a bit scary going to some of the exhibits alone because of the big monster-like statues that ancient people regarded as art...well, who am i to talk about art anyway.
Stayed there for around two hours and then had to go to HQ to get some stuff done.
Pretty cool day I must say...
-HoZe-
It was totally fantastic.... the displays were cool, the artefacts were amazing and the atmosphere was so condusive you actually felt that you were back in time.
I must admit though that it was a bit scary going to some of the exhibits alone because of the big monster-like statues that ancient people regarded as art...well, who am i to talk about art anyway.
Stayed there for around two hours and then had to go to HQ to get some stuff done.
Pretty cool day I must say...
-HoZe-
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Whirlwind
Things have been going really really quickly lately. So many things going on that I'm panting just trying to catch up with them. (Maybe I'm panting because I'm just not getting enough excersice....mental note: add to new years' resolution) Whatever it is, it seems like life was in a whirlwind this past week.
Went 'coffeeing' with Ms Foo last Tuesday. We met at the Starbucks at Toa Payoh. I almost couldn't recognize her in her funky shades and cap, coz I'm so used to seeing her in shirts and carrying a big pile of books. :p She printed out some photos of Mr Lim in NZ and gave them to me, which was really nice. Talked about many things and managed to deal with recent loss. I think it was really nice of Ms Foo, helping me out when I'm sure she must also be trying to cope with the loss as well. Thanks Ms Foo! :)
Tried to study some biology in between work at camp. Managed to actualy start understanding what Darwin's darn theory is all about, though I don't really agree with them. I mean the thought of you evolving from a monkey is enough to turn anybody away from the idea. But sometimes after dealing with some weird people, you can't help wondering if Darwin was really getting at something.
Did some last minute card-searching for some christian friends of mine but I seriously doubt that the cards would reach them in time for christmas :p. Maybe monday. Sorry for that.....but it's the thought that counts right? :P
Had a rush BOA meeting on Friday night and after that did more rushing to Geri's place where Geri, jon, sweengee, xk and me hung out and stayed overnight for a lot of movie watching, prank-playing, talking, singing (mostly my hopeless versions of songs) and lots of FUN! But there was a few minutes of silence and sadness as we watched the beginning of the first movie of "Lord of the Rings" when we realised that Mr John Lim' s final days were spent on the set of Hobbiton (the commercial name of the Shire), the exact same place we were watching on the movie. Anyway, we had lots of fun, unfortunately had to run off the next day.
Didn't get much done on Saturday. Was too sleepy from the night before.
Today spent the whole morning buying hardware for the house. Now I'm slowly trying to install everything everywhere.....!!! Went to Shabbarbhai's new house today. Talked to my darling :). Happy seventh monthsary dear.
Hopefully the week ahead turns out as great as this one ....and perhaps a bit slower.
-HoZe-
Went 'coffeeing' with Ms Foo last Tuesday. We met at the Starbucks at Toa Payoh. I almost couldn't recognize her in her funky shades and cap, coz I'm so used to seeing her in shirts and carrying a big pile of books. :p She printed out some photos of Mr Lim in NZ and gave them to me, which was really nice. Talked about many things and managed to deal with recent loss. I think it was really nice of Ms Foo, helping me out when I'm sure she must also be trying to cope with the loss as well. Thanks Ms Foo! :)
Tried to study some biology in between work at camp. Managed to actualy start understanding what Darwin's darn theory is all about, though I don't really agree with them. I mean the thought of you evolving from a monkey is enough to turn anybody away from the idea. But sometimes after dealing with some weird people, you can't help wondering if Darwin was really getting at something.
Did some last minute card-searching for some christian friends of mine but I seriously doubt that the cards would reach them in time for christmas :p. Maybe monday. Sorry for that.....but it's the thought that counts right? :P
Had a rush BOA meeting on Friday night and after that did more rushing to Geri's place where Geri, jon, sweengee, xk and me hung out and stayed overnight for a lot of movie watching, prank-playing, talking, singing (mostly my hopeless versions of songs) and lots of FUN! But there was a few minutes of silence and sadness as we watched the beginning of the first movie of "Lord of the Rings" when we realised that Mr John Lim' s final days were spent on the set of Hobbiton (the commercial name of the Shire), the exact same place we were watching on the movie. Anyway, we had lots of fun, unfortunately had to run off the next day.
Didn't get much done on Saturday. Was too sleepy from the night before.
Today spent the whole morning buying hardware for the house. Now I'm slowly trying to install everything everywhere.....!!! Went to Shabbarbhai's new house today. Talked to my darling :). Happy seventh monthsary dear.
Hopefully the week ahead turns out as great as this one ....and perhaps a bit slower.
-HoZe-
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Remember me this way...
A few days after hearing about the death of Mr John Lim, I was tasked with leading a team to organise a memorial service for him in NYJC. So since tuesday till friday, life became a blur as I and many other people, esp my dear sis Jia shyuan who helped me so much, started to make preparations for Mr Lim's memorial service. At first it was a small student thing to be held on the grandstand and very simple. Then on wednesday, so much support came in from the admin and teachers of NYJC that the memorial service evolved to become a much more sophisticated one held at the school hall. And the preparations continued....leaving me no time to actually deal with any of my feelings.
And then came friday evening. After a frustrating search for the venue, I finally found the church where the funeral for Mr Lim was held. I sat down, and I looked at the photos on stage. And for some reason, it all started to sink in then. A tear rolled down my cheek, then another one. And soon I was sobbing away. I just couldn't help it. Thankfully I regained my composure before the end of the service.
The next day was the NYJC memorial service. Lots of student leaders had arrived to help me out. Some teachers also came quite early to help out with the preparations. Darwin and myself started preparing the centerpiece which was the so-called alter which was actually a two platform structure with Mr Lim's photo and candles on the higher platform. Initially, I had only put a floorball stick and a soccerball on the altar to commemerate Mr Lim's life. Mrs Koh and Ms Foo later added in some of Mr Lim's artefacts from his desk and because of that, the altar really looked very meaningful and very beautiful. I'll try to get a picture up here when I get some. Preparations went on quite quickly with few hiccups. I just worried about the attendance for the event....would people come? It seems I didn't have to worry at all. Over 1000 people attended the memorial service, showing how many people's lives were touched by Mr john Lim in one way or another. He was truly a great teacher.
Mr Lim's family was also present, which we were all very thankful for. Mr Lim's father broke down when he saw the set-up and i believe, the altar. My heart goes out to his father. It must be so difficult to lose his son.
I started off with a slight intro, where i shared some of my personal experiences. Then was the flag lowering to half mast followed by a one minute silence. Then was a presentation showing Mr Lim's photos on various aspects of his life including photos of his last days in NZ which were extracted from his camera. Ms Foo gave many of the photos, darwin helped me to make the presentation look better and jun hui did a great job with the slide transitions. After that were the touching eulogies from the teachers, followed by a piece from the band. Then students came up to give eulogies. I almost gave way to my emotions when they were speaking but managed to hang on.
Then came the songs, which many people later told me was the part where they felt the most emotion. The first song was "If we hold on together" because mr lim always got his students to reach out for their dreams. the next one was "you raise me up" because he always lifted our spirits. The last one was "remember me this way", in his memory. With lighted candles and led by the NYJC choir, everyone sang their best.
In the last song, these words struck me:
"I know you can't stay, a part of you will never ever go away, you heart will stay"
Then it was time for everyone to leave a flower and perhaps say a silent prayer at the altar. I was touched by what the soccer team did. They all stood in front of the altar together, prayed together and took a bow in front of the picture of the teacher who had touched their lives in such an incredible way.
I finally went up, and said a silent prayer, stood for a while, trying to absorb what happened, and left my flower, before saying goodbye.
It was then all over.
This morning, all the feelings which i kept at bay the night before came out. I was at the office and I went to a quiet corner to just let it all out. Ms Foo sent me some supportive smses.
Why did you have to go so fast Mr Lim? We still had so much to talk about... so much a dvice you could have still given me... So many things left unsaid. I dunno if I could ever truly accept your loss sir.... I don't think I ever can.
I would like to thank everyone who helped out yesterday esp Mrs Koh, Ms Foo, Mr Ng, Mdm Tan, Jia Shyuan, Hui Xiang, jonathan lim, Seniors, student leaders, 26th and 27th student councils, soccer team, people who delivered the eulogies, the band and the choir.
Mr Lim's dream was to see all the students of NYJC working together hand-in-hand. I think the memorial showed that Mr Lim's dream had come true.
Goodbye Mr Lim. I'll always remember you. You'll always be alive in our hearts. Take care, where ever you are.
-HoZe-
And then came friday evening. After a frustrating search for the venue, I finally found the church where the funeral for Mr Lim was held. I sat down, and I looked at the photos on stage. And for some reason, it all started to sink in then. A tear rolled down my cheek, then another one. And soon I was sobbing away. I just couldn't help it. Thankfully I regained my composure before the end of the service.
The next day was the NYJC memorial service. Lots of student leaders had arrived to help me out. Some teachers also came quite early to help out with the preparations. Darwin and myself started preparing the centerpiece which was the so-called alter which was actually a two platform structure with Mr Lim's photo and candles on the higher platform. Initially, I had only put a floorball stick and a soccerball on the altar to commemerate Mr Lim's life. Mrs Koh and Ms Foo later added in some of Mr Lim's artefacts from his desk and because of that, the altar really looked very meaningful and very beautiful. I'll try to get a picture up here when I get some. Preparations went on quite quickly with few hiccups. I just worried about the attendance for the event....would people come? It seems I didn't have to worry at all. Over 1000 people attended the memorial service, showing how many people's lives were touched by Mr john Lim in one way or another. He was truly a great teacher.
Mr Lim's family was also present, which we were all very thankful for. Mr Lim's father broke down when he saw the set-up and i believe, the altar. My heart goes out to his father. It must be so difficult to lose his son.
I started off with a slight intro, where i shared some of my personal experiences. Then was the flag lowering to half mast followed by a one minute silence. Then was a presentation showing Mr Lim's photos on various aspects of his life including photos of his last days in NZ which were extracted from his camera. Ms Foo gave many of the photos, darwin helped me to make the presentation look better and jun hui did a great job with the slide transitions. After that were the touching eulogies from the teachers, followed by a piece from the band. Then students came up to give eulogies. I almost gave way to my emotions when they were speaking but managed to hang on.
Then came the songs, which many people later told me was the part where they felt the most emotion. The first song was "If we hold on together" because mr lim always got his students to reach out for their dreams. the next one was "you raise me up" because he always lifted our spirits. The last one was "remember me this way", in his memory. With lighted candles and led by the NYJC choir, everyone sang their best.
In the last song, these words struck me:
"I know you can't stay, a part of you will never ever go away, you heart will stay"
Then it was time for everyone to leave a flower and perhaps say a silent prayer at the altar. I was touched by what the soccer team did. They all stood in front of the altar together, prayed together and took a bow in front of the picture of the teacher who had touched their lives in such an incredible way.
I finally went up, and said a silent prayer, stood for a while, trying to absorb what happened, and left my flower, before saying goodbye.
It was then all over.
This morning, all the feelings which i kept at bay the night before came out. I was at the office and I went to a quiet corner to just let it all out. Ms Foo sent me some supportive smses.
Why did you have to go so fast Mr Lim? We still had so much to talk about... so much a dvice you could have still given me... So many things left unsaid. I dunno if I could ever truly accept your loss sir.... I don't think I ever can.
I would like to thank everyone who helped out yesterday esp Mrs Koh, Ms Foo, Mr Ng, Mdm Tan, Jia Shyuan, Hui Xiang, jonathan lim, Seniors, student leaders, 26th and 27th student councils, soccer team, people who delivered the eulogies, the band and the choir.
Mr Lim's dream was to see all the students of NYJC working together hand-in-hand. I think the memorial showed that Mr Lim's dream had come true.
Goodbye Mr Lim. I'll always remember you. You'll always be alive in our hearts. Take care, where ever you are.
-HoZe-
Monday, December 13, 2004
No! It just cannot be...
A day ago I heard some pretty bad news. I just dun believe it. I cannot bring myself to believe it. How can it be? A month ago I attended his wedding....a beautiful affair... 2 weeks ago I was talking to him, joking around and having fun during the NYJC LTC..... and now...he's gone.
Mr John Lim, our NYJC PE teacher sadly passed away together with his wife when his car collided head on with a truck in New Zealand. Mr Lim was like one of my favourite teachers.... I could talk to him about almost anything. Had so much fun with him in NY.
I remember how my class used to go down for 'extra' PE lessons with him and how he'd hand us a card with the "tasks" for the day. How we'd go about doing it and sometimes cheat by doing less push ups or sit ups and after we finished he'd give us a knowing smile. How we could just meet him anywhere and start talking about anything. I remember that I met him just the day before I entered NS... He wished me all the best and gave me some advice on how to cope with NS. He always encouraged me to try mybest at sports despite my protests that I was hopeless at it. He promised me that he would treat me to "kopi" if I get gold in my IPPT.... sir! you have to keep your promise.... Where have you gone!?
His wedding was so beautiful. Despite having received so many wedding gifts he took the effort to send me an sms thanking me for my gift and stating the gift in particular, showing that he cared.
And I remembered the very last time I met him. It was at the end of LTC 04 and I just took a photo with him. "I'll send the photo to your email sir!" I said.
Sir, thanks for everything. I'll really miss you....esp whenever I go back to NYJC and find one empty space.
May the Almighty bless your soul repeatedly.
---------
My third sudden and unexpected death in 2 years. Goes to show me how unpredictable life is. Every thing we do and every step we take, we must make the most out of it and never forget to let people close to us know how much we value them.
"Live every moment as if it were you last, but dream as if you can live forver"
"When you are born, you cry but those around you smile. Ensure that when you die, you are smiling in God's presence and people around you are weeping you loss"
Sir, we'll forever weep your loss.
Mr John Lim, our NYJC PE teacher sadly passed away together with his wife when his car collided head on with a truck in New Zealand. Mr Lim was like one of my favourite teachers.... I could talk to him about almost anything. Had so much fun with him in NY.
I remember how my class used to go down for 'extra' PE lessons with him and how he'd hand us a card with the "tasks" for the day. How we'd go about doing it and sometimes cheat by doing less push ups or sit ups and after we finished he'd give us a knowing smile. How we could just meet him anywhere and start talking about anything. I remember that I met him just the day before I entered NS... He wished me all the best and gave me some advice on how to cope with NS. He always encouraged me to try mybest at sports despite my protests that I was hopeless at it. He promised me that he would treat me to "kopi" if I get gold in my IPPT.... sir! you have to keep your promise.... Where have you gone!?
His wedding was so beautiful. Despite having received so many wedding gifts he took the effort to send me an sms thanking me for my gift and stating the gift in particular, showing that he cared.
And I remembered the very last time I met him. It was at the end of LTC 04 and I just took a photo with him. "I'll send the photo to your email sir!" I said.
Sir, thanks for everything. I'll really miss you....esp whenever I go back to NYJC and find one empty space.
May the Almighty bless your soul repeatedly.
---------
My third sudden and unexpected death in 2 years. Goes to show me how unpredictable life is. Every thing we do and every step we take, we must make the most out of it and never forget to let people close to us know how much we value them.
"Live every moment as if it were you last, but dream as if you can live forver"
"When you are born, you cry but those around you smile. Ensure that when you die, you are smiling in God's presence and people around you are weeping you loss"
Sir, we'll forever weep your loss.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
NYJC LTC 2004
It seems so weird to be back at the office, back to reality after five days of discovery, adventure and fun. It's like walking into a completely different world and being expected to immediately re-start, as if nothing ever happened. Also kind of reminded me how far I've come since I've left NYJC around a year ago. How NY has helped me to face the challenges that the real world poses me.
NYJC LTC 2004 had a fantastic start on the 27th November 2004. Everyone was in high spirits when the camp started, although it didn't really show outwardly as everyone was still new to each other, except for the facilitators who were busy making last minute arrangements, doing last minute planning or just laughing and joking with each other. Soon, after a short briefing we set off for the Jalan Bahtera camp on a rather long bus journey on which I became the self-appointed entertainer. Goodness knows if I was any good entertaining.
The camp started with camp development and a session with my group. My fellow facilitators, the charming Xiu Mei and my sweet sis Jia Shyuan, and myself got the group to set target and aims for themselves to achieve by the end of the leadership training camp. We made several progress chars for them to fil up as each day comes along. One of them, "Boy-girl interaction", interestingly had a very steep gradient.
Then came a series of mini games forcing the group to get to know each other better. The whole series was called "the quest" and they were supposed to clap and cheer when they heard the name. My group took it rather far and did it throughout the camp and even after it ended causing a lot of sore throats as the other groups decided to repeat the two words over and over again.
We had high elements which made the participants deal with their fears and expand their limits and at the same time look at problems in a new perspective in order to solve them. Some of them were pretty scared but managed to overcome their fears. My group even left me hanging on purpose after the doing the ziplineleaving me slightly worried that I might not make it down....haha.
The sea expedition was also quite cool. I had my first experience kayaking in heavy rain during the kayak school. The next day when we set off for the expedition, the weather was pretty hot. I had to do a demonstration with another facilitator on capsizing. It wasn't exactly very fun....haha. Anyway, perserverance was the them of the event as participants tried their very best to row against the currents on the way back causing many sore muscles at the end.
There was also the exciting and adventurous moonlight walk where everyone had to be a member of the fellowship of the ring for the night and protect the ring bearer as he walked through middle earth. I think it was extremely well done. The path for the activity was like totally in the wilderness and it was so dark. The characters and props, including the storyline was so real it was as if we had walked into J R Tolkein's novel.
My group was the best. Arwen definately was full of spirit and enthusiasm that made their learning journey so much more fun. They made their facilitators proud as they had grown and developed so much as leaders and individuals throughout the five day camp. They expanded their horizons, took risks, faced fears, persevered beyond their assumed strength and went out of their comforts zones to explore and realise their true potential. Good job guys!
To my two fellow arwen facilitators, thank you for making this experience such a memorable one. Xiu Mei, It was really great knowing you all over again and working with you on this. I've really learnt a lot. And to my sis, thank you for taking such good care of me....haha. It was so great working with you!
My goodness.....what a great experience it has been.
Going off to experience something new tomorrow. Wish me luck.
take care guys....cya!
-HoZeFa-
NYJC LTC 2004 had a fantastic start on the 27th November 2004. Everyone was in high spirits when the camp started, although it didn't really show outwardly as everyone was still new to each other, except for the facilitators who were busy making last minute arrangements, doing last minute planning or just laughing and joking with each other. Soon, after a short briefing we set off for the Jalan Bahtera camp on a rather long bus journey on which I became the self-appointed entertainer. Goodness knows if I was any good entertaining.
The camp started with camp development and a session with my group. My fellow facilitators, the charming Xiu Mei and my sweet sis Jia Shyuan, and myself got the group to set target and aims for themselves to achieve by the end of the leadership training camp. We made several progress chars for them to fil up as each day comes along. One of them, "Boy-girl interaction", interestingly had a very steep gradient.
Then came a series of mini games forcing the group to get to know each other better. The whole series was called "the quest" and they were supposed to clap and cheer when they heard the name. My group took it rather far and did it throughout the camp and even after it ended causing a lot of sore throats as the other groups decided to repeat the two words over and over again.
We had high elements which made the participants deal with their fears and expand their limits and at the same time look at problems in a new perspective in order to solve them. Some of them were pretty scared but managed to overcome their fears. My group even left me hanging on purpose after the doing the ziplineleaving me slightly worried that I might not make it down....haha.
The sea expedition was also quite cool. I had my first experience kayaking in heavy rain during the kayak school. The next day when we set off for the expedition, the weather was pretty hot. I had to do a demonstration with another facilitator on capsizing. It wasn't exactly very fun....haha. Anyway, perserverance was the them of the event as participants tried their very best to row against the currents on the way back causing many sore muscles at the end.
There was also the exciting and adventurous moonlight walk where everyone had to be a member of the fellowship of the ring for the night and protect the ring bearer as he walked through middle earth. I think it was extremely well done. The path for the activity was like totally in the wilderness and it was so dark. The characters and props, including the storyline was so real it was as if we had walked into J R Tolkein's novel.
My group was the best. Arwen definately was full of spirit and enthusiasm that made their learning journey so much more fun. They made their facilitators proud as they had grown and developed so much as leaders and individuals throughout the five day camp. They expanded their horizons, took risks, faced fears, persevered beyond their assumed strength and went out of their comforts zones to explore and realise their true potential. Good job guys!
To my two fellow arwen facilitators, thank you for making this experience such a memorable one. Xiu Mei, It was really great knowing you all over again and working with you on this. I've really learnt a lot. And to my sis, thank you for taking such good care of me....haha. It was so great working with you!
My goodness.....what a great experience it has been.
Going off to experience something new tomorrow. Wish me luck.
take care guys....cya!
-HoZeFa-
Thursday, December 02, 2004
New Blog Inauguration!
I've decided to give up on the old blog and work on this new one. It's so much simpler to use and I suppose that would motivate me to use it more, thus blogging more frequently and poviding you guys out there more literature. Hope you like it. I'll make some additions to the blog soon....maybe a slight change in the design or something. In the meantime, just sit tight and wait and I'll tell you all about nyjc lts 2004 and my lovely group!
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